Work on Me First

'Although it's true that there are times when we are merely bystanders in life's never-ending stream of head-on collisions, rarely are we completely innocent... People who are best at dialogue understand this simple fact and turn it into the principle "Work on me first."...As much as others may need to change, or we may want them to change, the only person we can continually inspire, prod, and shape--with any degree of success--is the person in the mirror...People who believe they need to start with themselves...become the most skilled at dialogue. It's the most talented, not the least talented, who are continually trying to improve their dialogue skills.'

- "Crucial Conversations - Tools for talking when stakes are high"