How To Win Friends

When I was a kid, my father introduced me to the principles of Dale Carnegie’s “How To Win Friends And Influence People”. It was one of the greatest gifts (among many) that my father ever gave me.

Now, as an adult, I start out every year by listening to this book on my iPod. It’s narrated by Mr. Carnegie himself, which I think makes it a little more personal. As the book is largely about more effective communication, I appreciate hearing the author deliver it with his own inflections.

Mr. Carnegie wrote this book in 1936, but the principles are timeless. There is no greater character trait than that of someone committed to listening, understanding and communicating effectively.

If you are interesting, people will like you, for sure. But if you are genuinely interested, people will love you. Be interested in others. Listen. Respect others enough to try and understand their perspective and desires. Then react with kindness and grace.

Of all the principles I’ve ever learned about business and relationships, this is the most relevant and effective advice I’ve received.

Thanks Mr. Carnegie, for being wise enough to write this book. And thank you dad, for being a living example of these powerful principles.

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