These principles have been made popular in a book of the same title by author don Miguel Ruiz.  We at Hollyhock Leadership Institute have been working with these principles as individuals and as an organization.  They look deceptively easy, but in fact we have found them to be fairly difficult – and enormously powerful.  

Conveniently,  they have provided us with a common language to guide the evolution of our organizational culture.  Print them out, stick them above your desk or on your fridge, and see if they are as useful for you as they were for us.

The Four Agreements

Be Impeccable With Your Word
Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.

Don’t Take Anything Personally
Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won’t be the victim of needless suffering.

Don’t Make Assumptions
Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.

Always Do Your Best
Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse and regret.

http://www.miguelruiz.com/teachings/fouragreements.html