In the classic book by Dale Carnegie, “How to Win Friends and Influence People” he states what now are fairly common perspectives. Revolutionary and impactful at the time of the writing, they still go far today.

Here are a few items from the book. It is well worth the read. Some items may seem outdated, but they scale well. The book is old, but never out of date.Win-Friends

  • Never criticize, condemn or complain.
  • Become genuinely interested in other people
  • Talk in terms of the other person’s interests.
  • Be a good listener.
  • Make the other person feel important.
  • Use the person’s name whenever possible.
  • Smile – it always helps
  • Call attention to people’s errors indirectly.
  • Let the other person save face.
  • Get the other person saying “yes, yes” as soon as possible.
  • Let the other person feel that the idea is his or hers.
  • Begin in a friendly way.
  • Let the other person do a great deal of the talking when they complain.
  • Be sympathetic.
  • Respect others’ opinions. Never say, “You’re wrong.”
  • If you are wrong, admit it quickly and emphatically.
  • Try honestly to see things from the other person’s point of view.
  • Frame requests in terms of what others find motivating.

Time to remind others about these?