Dale Carnegie Part One

Dale Carnegie’s book “How to Win Friends and Influence People” was first published in 1936 and went on to become an international best seller. The principles he espoused are as relevant today as they were then. Perhaps his language is a bit archaic but nevertheless his concepts still strike a chord with creating successful relationships irrespective of whether in business or our personal lives.

Over this and the next blog I will be summarising his principles but without the numerous anecdotes he uses to demonstrate them. I am confident we can all recognise the benefits to be achieved from applying these in our day to day interaction with business associates, friends and family. None are impossible to apply, doing so is the challenge. Not all of his principles will be covered. For further insight and examples I suggest you read the book.

In parts I will quote from the book, indicated in “quotation marks”, some content will be my interpretation.
Carnegie opens the book with the premise that “People are creatures of emotion not logic, motivated by pride and vanity.” This forms the source of his many Principles.

He states there is only one way to get somebody to do something, make them want to do it. He implies Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is a clear motivational guideline. Making someone feel important will arouse enthusiasm but be wary of being disingenuous.

Don’t criticise or complain, be encouraging but at all costs avoid flattery – even more so if it is clearly insincere.

To influence positively, talk about what the other person wants and show them how to get it. How important is this in creating business leads!

Want to achieve cooperation? “Let the other person think the idea is theirs”. Consult and share needs, demonstrate empathy by discussing the situation from the other’s point of view.

More to follow.