Let’s appreciate, sincerely!

Continuing the spree of reading summaries, I read ‘How to win friends and influence people’ by Dale Carnegie. I read this book during my MBA days but forgot its content. To get knowledge ingrained into mind, one must apply it in the real world. Thanks to Booklet app, I read it again. 

While I was reading it, my eyes got to stick to one point – “Give honest and sincere appreciation”. It suggests that appreciation should be authentic, specific and from the heart. The moment I finished it; I instantly wrote a 380 words letter to the founder of Booklet app (Amrut). While I was writing it, I felt immense satisfaction. And I realised that a sincere appreciation is a dual benefit act. How? 

I felt good while writing it. At the same time, I imagined the reaction of its recipient who would surely be equally (or greatly) happy reading it. So, it makes two people happy. 

I have seen the positive changes in Toastmasters (a public speaking forum) where we appreciate the members sincerely. I simply mention the few good things of members speech citing relevant example (quote or part of speech) and it always works.

I also send my feedback to authors on their book by citing the good chapters, its summary, good lines and the lessons I learned through it. 

Let’s start appreciating our colleagues, friends and family! It takes a few words and minutes to write an appreciation but goes a long way.

(PS - I shall be writing one for Instaread (another great website for Book summaries) which has given me huge learning.)