From the (a) Virtual Philosopher: the four habits of effective philosophy students. Link is to a link to the RTF file. I read it - the habits should be self-evident, but common sense ain't so common and it's worth having a touchstone to return to even if you do already know them.
Call this a mission statement and description for philosophers - and, really, students of any discipline. I really do not believe that I am engaging in hyperbole when I say that philosophy is the root of all studies.