How to Win Friends and Influence People – Dale Carnegie -5 Stars

How to Win Friends and Influence People – Dale Carnegie -5 Stars

Title: How to Win Friends and Influence People

Author: Dale Carnegie

Publisher: Galley Books

Year: Original Hard Cover – 1936; Current Softcover 1998

 

Rating:   5 STARS

Price and Purchasing Options: This book, as one of the most popular and best-selling books of the 20^th Century, is available in several mediums.  The most accessible is through softcover through Amazon or Barnes & Noble for around $7-8.  There are plenty of secondhand options on eBay (here) or occasionally at Deseret Industries for a couple of dollars.  I would recommend that you get a more recent edition, as there are some adjustments by the Carnegie Institute to help modernize some of the examples.  This is also available on Audible if you have a membership.  This is one book that I would recommend listening to as well if that is helpful for you to absorb the content.

Review: This is one of the most influence books I have ever read, and has had a more immediate and profound impact in how I interact and engage with people than nearly any other book. 

I was first introduced to the text on my LDS Mission.  While on my mission I remember reading through the stack of old Ensigns in one of my apartments.  I came across an article at the end of the magazine, by an Elder Christensen.  In the article, he recommended not only that members of the church work or consider personal development, he recommended reading this book.  In fact, I did a little research and found the article here: https://www.lds.org/new-era/1998/01/i-resolve?lang=eng

Once I returned from my mission, I picked up a copy and read through it, and I have re-read the book once every year. 

In it Carnegie covers some very basic principles, that most people would consider common sense for the most part – but in reality, until we are told we never consciously consider implementing these into our lives. 

The topics include:

-       Using people’s names

-       Smiling

-       Be a good listener

-       Become genuinely interested in people

And many many more…

Each of them are not just topics to be learned about, but principles to apply with examples and considerations.  Each of these are small, seemingly overlooked actions that end up making a significant impact in the lives of those around us, and the way we interact. 

Yet, one of the most over looked aspects of the book is that the common theme is being genuine.  You can do all of these things as tricks and tips, and they will not be as effective as they should be unless you are genuinely applying them and showing genuine interest.  When applied with the intent to manipulate they are not effective.

I highly recommend this book is read by every member of the church.  This would be wonderfully helpful to everyone.  Don’t let the title of the book scare you off, or lead you to believe this book is about manipulation, it is not.  This book is about developing sincere and honest relationships with other people – as common as those interactions are.

GET THIS BOOK AND READ IT!

Suggestions:  My suggestion is to pick a medium and get it!  If you are a reader, get a copy of the book and start.  You will enjoy it, and can go through and apply a chapter at a time.  If you are listener, get it on CD or audio file (it is available on Audible), and listen to it.  If you are neither – find the time or means to either listen to it or read it – and it will benefit your life, the life of your family, spouse, co-workers, and those you interact with throughout your life.

I hope you have enjoyed this review, and I encourage your to follow this blog as I update more reviews in the coming days, weeks, months, etc.  Please feel free to also follow my YouTube page – however, I enjoy writing more than being on camera!

Review #15

Tags: Dale Carnegie, How to Win Friends and Influence People, Personal Development, Business, 5 Stars. LDS Book Review, Ryan Daley