Miguel Ruiz’s Four Agreements

Image by Kelly Sikkema

One of the tools that I employ in my reflective practice is “The Four Agreements” by Miguel Ruiz (1997).

These agreements include four reflective steps to enrich communication:

1. use impeccable language

2. always do your best

3. do not take things personally

4. do not make assumptions

(sourced from Ruiz, 1997)

The agreements need to be constantly reinforced because although they appear simple, they are difficult concepts to deal with, particularly the final two: not taking things personally and making assumptions. The way to help us incorporate these agreements into our collaborative processes is to discuss them when we are in group at the time miscommunication occurs. The responsibility of the group is to work collaboratively so that these principles are upheld. we can then turn up as the best version of ourselves and at the same time do our best work.

For more information on The Four Agreements, go to The Four Agreements