06/10/2024
Top Lessons from 'How to Win Friends and Influence People'.
1. Don't criticize, condemn, or complain - Criticizing people makes them feel bad and resentful. Instead, focus on positive feedback to encourage good behavior.
2. Give honest and sincere appreciation - People feel motivated when you genuinely appreciate their efforts. Always be sincere when you praise someone.
3. Arouse in the other person an eager want - Understand what others want and show them how they can get it. This makes them more willing to work with you.
4. Become genuinely interested in other people - Truly care about other people. Show interest in their lives and what they care about.
5. Smile - Smiling makes you appear friendly and approachable. It makes interactions more pleasant.
6. Remember that a person's name is, to that person, the sweetest sound in any language - Using someone's name in conversation shows respect and makes the interaction personal.
7. Be a good listener and encourage others to talk about themselves - Listen actively to others and let them talk about themselves. It makes them feel valued and understood.
8. Talk in terms of the other person's interests - Discuss things that the other person is interested in. It keeps the conversation engaging for them.
9. Make the other person feel important and do it sincerely - Make others feel valued and important. Be genuine in your efforts to appreciate them.
10. The only way to get the best of an argument is to avoid it - Arguments often don't solve anything and create bad feelings. It's better to avoid them and find common ground.
11. Show respect for the other person's opinions and never say "You're wrong" - Respect others' views, even if you disagree. Saying "You're wrong" can lead to conflict.
12. If you are wrong, admit it quickly and emphatically - If you make a mistake, admit it right away. This shows honesty and builds trust.
13. Begin in a friendly way - Start interactions positively. It makes people more open and cooperative.
14. Get the other person saying "yes, yes" immediately - Ask questions that will get a "yes" response. It creates a sense of agreement.
15. Let the other person do a great deal of the talking - Let others talk more during conversations. It makes them feel heard and respected.
16. Let the other person feel that the idea is theirs - Make others feel like your suggestions are their ideas. They are more likely to support and act on them.
17. Try honestly to see things from the other person's point of view - Put yourself in the other person's shoes. It helps you understand their perspective better.
18. Be sympathetic with the other person's ideas and desires - Show that you understand and care about others' feelings and goals.
19. Appeal to the nobler motives - Encourage people to act based on their higher values and principles.
20. Dramatize your ideas - Present your ideas in an interesting and compelling way to capture attention.
21. Throw down a challenge - Challenge people to achieve something. It can motivate them to do their best.
22. Begin with praise and honest appreciation - Start with positive feedback before offering criticism. It makes the person more receptive to your suggestions.
23. Call attention to people's mistakes indirectly - Point out mistakes gently and indirectly. This prevents defensiveness.
24. Talk about your own mistakes before criticizing the other person - Admit your own errors first. It makes your criticism seem less harsh.
25. Ask questions instead of giving direct orders - Instead of giving orders, ask questions that lead to the desired action. It feels less bossy.
26. Let the other person save face - Allow people to maintain their dignity, even when they make mistakes.
27. Praise the slightest improvement and praise every improvement - Recognize and celebrate even small improvements. It encourages continued progress.
28. Give the other person a fine reputation to live up to - Set high but achievable expectations. It motivates people to meet them.
29. Use encouragement and make the fault seem easy to correct - Encourage people and frame mistakes as easy to fix. It builds confidence.
30. Make the other person happy about doing the thing you suggest - Present tasks in a way that makes others excited to do them. It increases their enthusiasm.
