How to Win Friends and Influence People is a book which has come highly recommended from a few members of my Book Club as they found that Dale Carnegie's teachings made a significant impact on their life and how they interact with others.
I am going to start this review off with a rave! I loved it! I thought Carnegie's writing was easy to read and understand. There were remarkable and impactful statements throughout and I learnt so much from this read. Whilst I was reading these wise words, I challenged myself to apply the principle which I just read either in work, with family or with friends. The results were quite positive; I was able to focus better on the conversations I was having, improved my communication skills and was able to win over some tough critics of my own.
Backed with examples from inspirational philosophers such as Socrates and legendary writers such as Saint-Exupéry, Carnegie is able to effectively showcase how his teachings are not ideas which he founded on his own but ones which originated from some of the most wisest and profound souls to walk our planet.
Although How to Win Friends and Influence People was first published in 1936, his principles and teachings are ones which have been practiced throughout history and remain extremely relevant today. Throughout the book, Carnegie referred to his students' stories; they shared how they were able to apply the principles in their life and the outcome it brought to their scenario. And this made me think about situations which I could apply each principle to or if I had seen other people apply the principle on me or others. So I have noted down each principle from the book and I am on a journey to relate at least one personal encounter or observation to one of the thirty principles in this book. (I am about 1/3 there).
But given that there are thirty, it can be initially difficult and overwhelming to consciously apply each principle to every scenario of every day. However, I love how Carnegie provides both professional and personal anecdotes, which ensures relatability and provides guidance on how we too can apply them in all aspects of our life.
“Actions speak louder than words, and a smile says, ‘I like you. You make me happy. I am glad to see you."
I am often asked why I am always smiling and sometimes why I smile at strangers. This quote from Carnegie probably sums it up. We don't know what someone is going through, what occurred in their day or what is going on their mind. To me, a smile is the non-verbal and non-physical version of a hug. So I often travel to work with a smile on my face, I used to walk the bookshelves of my university library with a smile and ensure that I greet everyone with a smile.
I have often been stopped and complimented on my smile. On occasion, people have mentioned how me smiling at them brightened up their day and that they were happy to see me.
Given the multitude and range of examples in each principle, I found that each one was easy to read, comprehend, remember and apply. Each lesson and example is relatable and can be practiced in our day to day lives (remember, it takes practice). I love how Carnegie gives professional and personal examples to apply his lessons and how there is a focus on improving oneself before trying to win friends and influence others.
Books such as this one should be encouraged in our curriculum to teach us how to interact, make the best of situations and ensure effective communication with those around us. Accompanied by many case studies, scenarios and quotes within How to Win to Friends and Influence People, Dale Carnegie has created an open field where readers can discuss their views and interpretations of his book whilst sharing their experience of applying each principle.
Completed on: 25th May 2021
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