Effective Communication. It might very well be the #1 soft skill you need to succeed. Think about it. When communication is poor, wires cross, tensions rise, and initiatives fail. We communicate daily with peers, direct reports, bosses, customers, friends, and partners. Doing it well means you get along better. It means you make more money,…
Tag: Human Relations
How to Be a World-Class Presenter
Does getting in front of an audience to deliver a speech seem daunting to you? You’re not alone in that feeling. Even the most experienced public speakers get nervous sometimes. But what separates a novice from a pro is laying the right groundwork. You see, even the professional speaker doesn’t just jump in front of…
How To Use The Asoh Defense
Dale Carnegie believed in the power of admitting one’s mistakes – believed so much, in fact, that this makes up his twelfth human relations principle: If you are wrong, admit it quickly and emphatically. Thirty-two years after the release of Carnegie’s seminal work, How To Win Friends and Influence People, this principle was put to…
Your Smile Is Your Superpower
Whether your smile shows off every single one of your teeth, is accompanied by a boisterous laugh, or is shy and reserved, its existence is doing good for your mind and body. According to Psychology Today, smiling releases endorphins that help to lower stress, heart rate, and blood pressure, while also lifting your mood. And this…
How To Interest People
When you want to grab someone’s attention, the best way to do so is by engaging them in conversation on a topic of their interest. Thanks to the internet and social media, it is easier than ever to learn about a person’s favorite sports team, hobby, or travel destination. From there you’re just a quick…
Dale Carnegie’s Advice for New College Grads
You step off the stage at convocation, your degree finally in hand after years of study and hard work, and suddenly you’ve got the whole world before you. From here your life can go in any direction you choose, and it’s up to you to make the most of it. As you set off into…
Stories from the Classroom
Dale Carnegie knew that turning a lesson into a story was the best way to convince an audience of his ideas. While his easy-to-implement advice is the backbone of his best-selling books, the heart and soul of them are the tales of how his tactics have transformed lives. Although it has been 83 years since…
Preparing to Negotiate: How To Bargain in the Business World
Negotiations are a common – nearly daily – practice in the workplace. You might want to convince your boss to let you work a more flexible schedule, or perhaps you need to make a deal to close a sale. Whatever the reason for negotiating, there are a few ways you can ready yourself for…
The Servant Leader
This week I was in a meeting with the CEO of a company and his purchasing manager. When responding to a query, the CEO stated, “I am not sure I understand.” The purchasing manager replied, “I understand and that’s why you have me.” This is not a recommended method of becoming a trusted advisor. The…
Why and How to Exit a Job on Terrific Terms
Whether the decision to leave your job is difficult or a dream come true, it’s critical that you leave on the best possible terms. Once you’ve decided to depart your employer, follow these steps for long-term career success. 1. Give proper notice. Regardless of how you may feel, do your best to give a minimum of…