- Do your homework
- Do learn from other mergers
- Do realize deal-making is different from managing
- Don't assume it must work
- Do provide a commodity
- Do provide a differentiated product
- Do provide a service
- Do provide an experience
- Do test everything
- Do watch companies outside of your industry
- Do listen to everyone
- Don't feel wedded to the status quo
- Do value customers
- Do value employees
- Do focus on products & services
- Don't overlook risk taking
- Do adapt to them
- Do fight for them
- Do go positive first
- Don't always have the last word
- Do understand the theory of mind
- Do see the brain as a survival organ
- Do appreciate the importance of empathy
