Life lessons from Dale Carnegie

When people ask me what books, resources, and teachings have guided me as a leader and in my career, I always refer to the classic book by Dale Carnegie, How to Win Friends and Influence People. Dale Carnegie was an American writer, lecturer, salesman, and public speaking guru. Carnegie started his career as a door-to-door salesman selling correspondence courses to ranchers in the American Midwest. He used the money and experience he had gained from working as a salesman to build a remarkably successful career as an educational speaker focusing on the American public's desire to have more self-confidence.

By 1914, Carnegie earned nearly $500 (about $13,500 today) every week from his public speaking lectures. Published in 1936, Carnegie's novel based on his course titled How to Win Friends and Influence became an overnight bestseller. Even today, this book has maintained its relevance with timeless lessons on persuasion and influence. Based on the principles outlined by Carnegie, I would like to share with you some of the most important lessons I have learned from his book and applied to my work in the nonprofit sector.

Be a great listener: Listening is one of the most important skills you can develop, according to Carnegie. When you listen to others, you show that you value their thoughts and opinions, which can help to build trust and respect. Additionally, being a good listener helps you to better understand the needs and perspectives of others, which can be valuable in both personal and professional relationships.

Enlarge your vision: Carnegie believed that a person's vision is the most critical aspect of their success. He wrote that if a person's vision is limited, their opportunities will be limited too. To enlarge your vision, he suggested that you should learn new things and constantly seek new experiences. Doing so can broaden your horizons and help you see the world from a different perspective. Enlarging your vision will help you find new opportunities and see things in a new light, which can lead to success and happiness.

Learn from your mistakes: Making mistakes is a natural part of life, and, according to Carnegie, we should learn from our mistakes instead of dwelling on them. By accepting that you will make mistakes, and using them as opportunities for growth, you can develop a more positive attitude toward life and learning. This can help you become more confident and resilient, which will lead to success in the future.

Commit to learning: Carnegie taught that a person's success depends on their willingness to learn. He believed we should never stop learning and be open to new ideas and experiences. By committing to learning, you can expand your knowledge and improve your skills, which can help you achieve success in your personal and professional life.

Have fun doing what you love: Carnegie said that you will be more motivated and productive if you enjoy what you do. (I know this is true for me!) He encouraged people to find their passions and pursue them with enthusiasm. Doing what you love can develop a sense of purpose and help you find joy in your life. This can help you achieve success and happiness in the long run.

Be empathetic: Carnegie believed that empathy is a critical component of success. He believed that by putting ourselves in other people's shoes and understanding their perspectives, we can build better relationships and achieve our goals. By being empathetic, you can develop a deeper understanding of others and improve your communication skills, which can help you achieve success in your personal and professional life.

Create your own emotions: Carnegie believed that our emotions play a critical role in our success. He said we should take control of our emotions and use them to our advantage. By creating positive emotions and avoiding negative emotions, you can develop a more positive outlook on life and achieve your goals.

Never criticize, condemn or complain: Carnegie taught that criticism, condemnation, and complaining only lead to negativity and can damage our relationships and happiness. He encouraged people to focus on the positive and avoid negative thoughts and behaviours. By doing so, you can develop a more positive attitude and find success in your personal and professional life.

Regardless of your career or education, Dale Carnegie's lessons on listening, empathizing, never complaining, and learning are valuable. Learning is an ongoing process that continues throughout our lives. It is not confined to the four walls of a classroom or a specific age group. It is a journey we embark on from the moment we are born until we take our last breath. Learning is a tool that helps us grow and develop professionally and personally.

At JA Southern Alberta, we are proud to contribute to the learning process by teaching the leaders of tomorrow financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship. To learn more about the work we do at JA Southern Alberta, visit jasab.ca.