A classic but still so relevant!

Another classic leadership book suggestion… this one I don’t agree completely with but it’s still a good book for a young leader.

It’s also a good reminder for some that need to be better at leadership.

"How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie provides practical advice on building meaningful relationships and influencing others positively.

The best leaders I have worked with through the years did one thing very well.

They became genuinely interested in others.

Not because they wanted anything out of the relationship… but because “the relationship” was not about them.

The best leaders actively listen to the other person.

Show genuine interest in their projects, ideas, and concerns.

This can foster a positive work environment and build strong professional relationships.

Smile.

A smile is a universal language.

Use it to create a positive atmosphere in social situations, whether it's at work or in your personal life.

You can change the temperature of the room with a smile, or without a smile.

Test it. Prove me wrong.

Remember and use people's names.

I have struggled with this my entire career. I have used all the tips and tricks others have written about to get better at this.

Make an effort to remember and use their names.

It demonstrates respect and makes people feel valued, fostering a sense of connection.

Be a good listener and encourage others to talk about themselves.

People appreciate being heard.

In conversations, focus on understanding others' perspectives.

In a work context, this can improve teamwork and collaboration.

Here is a fact. If you are the “boss” and you spend more time talking about YOUR perspective and YOUR ideas and less time listening to your team’s ideas… you are “the boss” and not the “Leader”.

Talk in terms of the other person's interests.

Tailor your communication to align with the interests and priorities of your colleagues.

This helps in making your ideas more relatable and gaining support.

Make people feel important, and do it sincerely.

Acknowledge the contributions of others.

Recognizing and appreciating efforts can boost morale and create a positive team culture.

Avoid criticism and condemnations.

Instead of criticizing, provide constructive feedback.

Focus on solutions and improvements rather than dwelling on mistakes.

Give honest and sincere appreciation.

Express gratitude genuinely.

Recognizing and appreciating the efforts can enhance teamwork and motivation.

Arouse in the other person an eager want.

When presenting ideas or proposals, emphasize the benefits that are most relevant and appealing.

Understand their needs and frame your suggestions accordingly.

Begin with praise and honest appreciation.

When addressing concerns or conflicts, start by acknowledging positive aspects before discussing areas for improvement.

This approach fosters a more receptive environment.

Dale writes about calling attention to people's mistakes indirectly.

While I strongly disagree with this, I do agree – it needs to be done delicately.

Dale writes about not pointing out mistakes directly, instead he suggests you frame feedback in a way that focuses on improvement and learning.

Which I agree with – but you do have to be specific, direct and fact based.

You cannot be soft – seem scared or deceptive in how you give feedback.

Just say what was not done to standard or expectation and move on with what will make it better.

This helps maintain a positive and constructive atmosphere.

Ask questions instead of giving direct orders.

Encourage collaboration by asking questions that stimulate discussion and problem-solving.

This approach empowers others and fosters a sense of ownership.

Let the other person save face.

Avoid embarrassing others, especially in public.

Address mistakes privately and focus on finding solutions rather than placing blame.

This is critical that when you are discussing in private how the situation will be corrected, you also have to discuss WHY it is important to save face and move forward with integrity.

If you this wrong… it will cause people to lose respect for you.

Praise the slightest improvement and praise every improvement.

Recognize and celebrate progress, no matter how small.

This positive reinforcement can boost motivation and encourage continuous improvement.

Give the other person a fine reputation to live up to.

Set high but realistic expectations for your colleagues.

This can inspire them to meet and exceed those expectations, fostering a culture of excellence.

Use encouragement: Make the fault seem easy to correct.

?Provide encouragement when others face challenges.

Offer support and solutions rather than dwelling on difficulties.

Make the other person feel happy about doing what you suggest.

When proposing ideas or solutions, highlight the positive outcomes and benefits.

This can make your suggestions more appealing and increase the likelihood of cooperation.

Adapt to the Communication Style of Others.

Be mindful of how others prefer to communicate and adjust your approach accordingly.

Some people may prefer direct communication, while others may appreciate a more collaborative or diplomatic style.

Cultivate Empathy.

Understand the perspectives and feelings of others.

This not only strengthens your relationships but also helps you navigate various situations more effectively.

Be Authentic.

While employing these principles, remain true to yourself.

Authenticity builds trust, and people are more likely to respond positively when they sense sincerity.

Continuous Improvement.

Apply the principles gradually and consistently.

Personal and professional development is an ongoing process, and these principles can be refined over time.

Practice Patience.

Building positive relationships and influencing others takes time.

Be patient and persistent in applying these principles, and you'll likely see positive changes in your interactions.

Carnegie's teachings fosters genuine connections and positive influence.

By incorporating these principles into your life and work, you can enhance your interpersonal skills and contribute to a more positive and collaborative environment.