How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie - Book Report/Review Example

Book Review of How to Win Friends & Influence People.  How to Win Friends and Influence People is a book written by Dale Carnegie in the year 1937. This book has been considered as a bestseller and has worked in a positive manner to educate the masses. This book has been written for all those who have difficulties in communication. Since communication is a very important area of study and has a very profound impact on the wellbeing of individuals, Dale Carnegie being a teacher of communication not only has given adequate methodologies to the readers regarding methods to win friends and master influencing people but has also provided real life examples of those famous people who have had a major influence on the masses. By giving examples of such people and discussing the strategies they used he has not only given them practical examples but provided them a path to success. Thus “The general consensus of the executives was that effective communication skills are more important now than ever.” (Bennett, 15) This book is a very diversified and resourceful book that has not only inspired people but has brought a tremendous change in the life of people. Basically the idea behind this book is that people who have any difficulty with socialization, lack confidence, do not have the ability to mingle and make friends find a set of real life examples, theories and different methods in order to overcome their existing fears. The book was written in the year 1937 but the latest edition has been modified according to the needs of twenty first century. The book has been basically divided into various sections that all synchronize with a common purpose to educate in the area of communication. He provides guidance in the form of sections. He states that the best way to handle people is to understand them and welcome criticism. Most people are not open to criticism which not only affects their socialization but also has a huge impact on their growth and well being. Positivity should reflect not only in words one speaks but the person as a whole should be positive in order to handle people. Lastly one should not brag about himself but should give freedom to others to judge and express themselves.  “Their positivity resides in the way they “make life rewarding” Readers are urged to switch their attention away from organizations typified by greed, selfishness, and winning at all costs to ones typified by appreciation . Hence Positive is good.” (Fineman, 270) The second section seeks to provide different ways in order to make people like you. It has been instilled in all of us but we tend to forget that first impression really counts. This is very important and plays an important role in becoming likeable. One should show interest in people in order to make people be interested in them. One needs to learn and eventually master the art of making conversations as they are a very important way of expression. Furthermore it should interest the people. Thirdly a person who has certain reservations with socializing and conversing with people should refrain from involving in arguments as arguments require immense confidence and the urge to fight back which can at times be a threat to the overall winning friend’s scenario. It is better to stay quiet than lose people. Furthermore at times being sugar coated actually helps in socialization so that extra drop of honey actually counts. In order to be a good friend or a good influence you should know that being a good listener can do wonders for you. If you let people confide in you then automatically gain their trust which makes the overall process quite easy. What we usually forget is that other person is human too so we need to understand their situation. The best way to do this is to put yourself in their shoes and just imagine what you will feel or how you would react if you were in such a situation. The whole task becomes far easier this way. Fourthly in order to be a leader and a role model you need to understand people. “Assuming that charismatic leadership is important for organizational reforms, organizations may wish to select managers on the basis of charismatic characteristics that have been identified (Choi, 27) What usually happens is that one tends to forget the benefit of other in their own greed which hampers progress and lowers the productivity level. For instance Abraham Lincoln the famous American leader who influenced the masses in a positive and effective manner always considered the benefit of his people which made him influential and admired by all. One should learn how to criticize but in a positive way that doesn’t hamper growth. What we do is that we hurt the ego of the person at fault that leaves a long term impact on their entire personality. Like earlier during the phase of growing up magic words were taught in order to get the task done, we at this point need to learn those words back so that the ego factor dies. Apart from this do not be jealous. A good influence is never jealous but adapts the positivity from others. You should not only be proud of yourself but you need to feel proud of others. Encouragement and motivation are very important when it comes to progress as all people require acknowledgement. If you need it, others require it too hence learn to praise others if you want praises for yourself. The book has tremendous implications in workplace as building up on relations and maintaining a healthy work environment are very important. When you overcome the fear of being judged you stop judging others too which helps you lead a peaceful life. To build a healthy environment being a good leader matters most. A good leader not only has good socialization capabilities but his overall personality leaves a profound impact which makes him a positive influence on the employees and colleagues. The attributes taught in this book not only empower the people but also work together to make the work experience an enriching one. Hence in a nutshell this book acts as a true guide for all those who wished to grow out of their shells. The book basically targets introverts but all those who wish to make themselves better can go through this book as no person is complete and there is always room for improvement. Furthermore the book addresses numerous issues which we experience on a daily basis thus one who reads this book can find logical solutions to his everyday issues and eventually become a leader having positive influence on people. It will not be wrong to say that How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie is a breakthrough in the field of communication as it narrates the experience and teachings of an outstanding teacher. Works Сited: Fineman, Stephen. "On Being Positive: Concerns and Counterpoints." The Academy of Management Review. 31.2 (2006): 270-291. Print. Choi, Jaepil. "A Motivational Theory of Charismatic Leadership: Envisioning, Empathy, and Empowerment." Journal of Leadership & Organizational Studies. 13.1 (2006): 24-43. Print. Bennett, James C, and Robert J. Olney. "Executive Priorities for Effective Communication in an Information Society." Journal of Business Communication. 23.2 (1986): 13-22. Print Read More