In 1936, Dale Carnigie published his book How to Win Friends and Influcence People. One of the most influential self-help books of all time, it has sold more than 15 million copies. Dale Carnigie’s advice applies today as much as ever. Here is a reminder of the principles that his book tells us to live by:
- Don’t criticize, condemn or complain.
- People don’t want criticism, they want honest and sincere appreciation.
- The deepest urge in human nature is, “The desire to be important.”
- Everybody wants attention and admiration, nobody want to be criticized.
- The sweetest sound in the English language is the sound of a person’s own name.
- The only way to get the best of an argument is to avoid it.
- If you are wrong, admit it quickly and emphatically.
- Ask questions instead of giving direct orders.
- Give the other person a fine reputation to live up to.
- Call attention to people mistakes indirectly. Let the other person save face.
While simple, these principles challenge all of us, but we can all take a first step. Whatever you are pursuing today, stop for a moment and see if you can apply one of Dale Caregie’s principles to your relationships.
I just finished listening to the audiobook of this a couple of weeks ago. I agree that these basic principles still hold true, even in this world of increasingly complex communication.