[koolba]

While I agree with the rest, this one is flat out wrong:

> 5. You're as much the idiot as the person you consider an idiot.

I don't throw the word "idiot" around lightly but when I do, in a work / programming context, it's apt. I'd imagine I'm not the only one in that camp.

[sbov]

My personal version is this:

1. Everyone is ignorant of something, so don't be condescending.

2. Everyone does stupid things, including you, but it doesn't make them stupid.

[TeMPOraL]

I'd add:

3. Everyone has their own incentives, which may or may not be aligned with yours or the organization you work at. Understanding them helps you understand their point of view, and to decide whether to help them, ignore them or fight them.

[andrei_says_]

4. All actions are strategies to meet basic human needs. Look for the needs behind the actions. This will bring effortless understanding and compassion.

Focus on the needs and look for multiple strategies to meet them, thus staying open and flexible in the implementation.

[carlmr]

Agreed, there are some people who deserve the term idiot. At the same time you're probably an idiot if you call people idiots, even if they are. You're going to make your own life harder.