Last Updated on May 2, 2022 by Chin Yi Xuan
Andrew Carnegie, also known as the Steel King, is one of the richest man in history. Yet, don’t be surprised that he, in fact, had just very little understanding of steel manufacturing.
With that in mind, how did he actually build his legendary business empire? The key answer (which always seemed underrated): PEOPLE SKILL.
He knew how to handle people, and that is what made him rich.
The Carnegie Mellon Foundation & Stanford Research Institute International conducted research with Fortune 500 CEOs in 2015 and discovered that 75% long-term job success depends on people skills, while only 25% on technical knowledge.
Given that you are still reading this post shows how curious and eager you are to discover this skill even further. Well, people skill is not rocket science as you think it is and I’ve found you a quickest and effective way!
I’ve read over 30 books in 2018, but this one stands out among the rest: “How to Win Friends & Influence People”. An ever-classic self-help book written by Dale Carnegie in 1936. Here are the top 9 simple hacks about people-skill in the book that I find interesting:
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Table of Contents
(1) Give honest & sincere appreciation
Deep inside, everyone desires the feeling of being important.
The feeling comes in different forms.
As an example, people like Warren Buffett and Bill Gates got their feeling of importance by contributing most of their wealth to philanthropic causes. On the other hand, an employee who worked super hard got the same feeling the moment he got promoted.
The next time someone makes a mistake, whether at work, school or home, you should never kill off their ambition or enthusiasm by criticizing the person.
Instead, try giving them appreciation and praise. They will cherish, treasure and repeat it.
This is how simple words can change one’s life.
(2) Smile
To get someone to like you instantly, a smile is probably the easiest thing to do that requires minimal effort.
It is a magical force that will help you in building a positive first impression and shows others how easy-going you are as a person. Of course, it is impossible to fake a genuine, warm smile as it depends on our inner condition.
How do we think and control our thoughts will ultimately determine our level of happiness.
Next time, when you are afraid to network, nervous for a job interview or having a bad day, a smile is always something that you can do to help you overcome these hurdles.
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(3) Remember the names
Have you ever experienced a conversation where you just got to know someone new, and proceed to forget his/her names the next moment after a good conversation?
Just like how people appreciate the feeling of importance, everyone likes their names to be remembered as well. The ability to remember names is as important in business and social contacts.
Starting from today, try saying “Hi John” instead of just “Hi bro”. Even if you do not recall the new acquaintance’s name, just ask again (with no awkwardness) and write it down if necessary.
Want to start winning win friends? First, you would have to remember their names.
(4) Be genuinely interested in others
Being genuinely interested in the people around you are essential to develop long-lasting relationships!
Often, unless those who are important to us (eg. future wife, potential business partner), we tend to care about ourselves more than others.
Believe it or not, according to Dale Carnegie, you can make more friends in 2 months by being interested in other people than you can in 2 years by trying to get others to be interested in you.
Ask yourself these 2 questions, “Are you genuinely interested in ones’ life story?” and “Do you care or curious about what they are struggling, enjoying or thinking?”.
5 More Useful & Simple People Skills in Part 2!
What you have learned from above are only 4 out of the 30 principles taught in How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie. In the next post, you will learn 5 more useful and simple principles outlined in this amazing book.
Meanwhile, if you want to discover all the essence of this book, definitely GRAB A COPY of this book at the link below! If you have read this book, do share your view in the comment section below! I cannot wait to hear from you!
Stay tuned for Part 2!
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About Guest Writer:
Xi Rong’s enthusiasm with books started back in 2016. It is hard to imagine someone who used to hate reading actually could find books as his best companion. If you believe in it, a book is the best teacher and a priceless commodity for every reader. He reads a huge spectrum of books, ranging from financial, management, self-help, business, marketing, communication and more! Check out his Instagram Stories Highlight here for his amazing collection of book reviews!
Also, you can also connect with Xi Rong via LinkedIn.
