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A spoonful of honey will catch more flies than a gallon of vinegar.

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN (1706–90), AMERICAN STATESMAN

Just as others can't get their jobs done without you, you wouldn't get far without others. Getting your colleagues onside is absolutely essential to moving forward, whether you have an ambitious new project or a minor change to make. Here are a few strategies to help you get everyone on the same page.

1. Don't pretend you're a lone wolf. Letting others know you rely on them is the first step toward collaboration.

2. Treat others the way you would like to be treated. You want respect, dignity, and consideration? Then that's what you should offer others.

3. Don't look down on those below you in rank. If you abuse power, expect it to be abused against you later. More importantly, abuse of power will only squander the trust and respect you've been trying to develop.

4. Keep the tone in the work environment positive. The more pumped everybody is, the more you'll accomplish.

5. Don't "call for mommy." If a colleague has done something you don't appreciate, take the issue up with that person — not your boss. You have to be able to work with people without the threat of the boss behind you. And your boss won't like it either.

6. Engage in give-and-take. Do favors whenever the opportunity presents itself. One day, when you ask, the favors will be returned. Those people with special skills or valuable knowledge are ideal for the bartering of favors.

7. Respect other people as individuals. This means understanding that they want things just as you do. If you know what they want and can convince them that your goals are compatible, you'll be a motivated team.

8. If you have to rely on power, harness power that everyone recognizes. Your power will increase if you do the following:

   • Show the numbers. These are more compelling than opinions.

   • Point to the precedent. Show others you are not guessing. If something has worked before, it will probably work again.

   • Demonstrate the legitimacy.

   • Point to ideas that have emanated from impeccable sources. Few people would then dare to challenge you. And, if they do, they will have little credibility.

   • Present your ideas verbally. But the more formality you use — such as a PowerPoint presentation and a back-up report — the greater your chances of getting a "yes" response.

   • Use logic. Nothing is more compelling than a sound argument. Make sure you have reason on your side. Present your supporting evidence whenever possible.

   • Display expertise. If you have experience and knowledge, others will fall in behind you.

   • Drum up mass support. If you can show that your ideas are shared by many, you can convince others that the ideas are sound.

   • Create a rivalry. Nothing will bind your team together like the knowledge that they are competing with another group. Or present the possibility that another group is interested in your idea.

My idea of an agreeable person is a person who agrees with me.

SAM GOLDWYN, MOVIE MOGUL