"When dealing with people, let us remember we are not dealing with creatures of logic. We are dealing with creatures of emotion, creatures bristling with prejudices and motivated by pride and vanity." Rating: 9/10 Related: Read more on Amazon Get the full index of lessons here How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie is a self-help classic that reads as a life manual.
Don’t criticize, condemn or complain. People learn faster and retain knowledge more effectively when rewarded for good behavior than punished for bad behavior.
Give honest and sincere appreciation. The only way to get a person to do anything is by giving them what they want.
Arouse in the other person an eager want. The only way to influence other people is to talk about what they want and show them how to get it.
One the best pieces of advice my mentor gave me many years ago was, "When you are in conflict with someone, don't push back." As a young professional, I was shocked and more than a little frustrated. What did that mean? What if I can't defend myself when someone says something wrong about me?
Regardless of whether you are right or wrong, your attitude will determine the outcome of any contentious experience. It’s incredibly important to have a peaceful state of mind before entering into a potential conflict situation.
You just might not know it yet. Too often, we hear "leader" and think of the politician running a country; the CEO piloting a Fortune 500 company; the activist spearheading a social movement; or the celebrity championing the latest trend. These are usually the leaders in the spotlight, getting all the attention.
Try listening more than you speak. Listen to experts and fellow enthusiasts, including those with whom you disagree. Absorb their perspectives, insights, and experiences.
From listening to others, we can gather valuable insights from both their successes and their failings.