Dale Carnegie’s 30 Human Relations Principles were available to the world in 1936. They were introduced in his book, “How to Win Friends and Influence People,” which still reigns as the almighty in guiding people to value and act with humanity. I owe Mr. Carnegie so much personally for how his brand of goodness has changed my life for the better, and will continue to be his champion until I leave the planet.
Not that I can pretend to know if he would have tweaked his principles for a world in which texting has replaced an actual conversation, but I will try to imagine what additional principles he might have added on to include the world we now live in. Assume the first 30 principles are still in tact, as is.
31. Turn off hand-held devices when in the company of another human being. Engage!
32. Be respectful, compassionate and responsible in honoring diversity: race, gender, sexual-orientation, ethnicity, culture, religion and politics.
33. Use cell phones in public only for emergencies. Honor others needs for peace, quiet and space.
34. Ask for help when you don’t understand. People love feeling that they have something to offer.
35. Offer personal help and support whenever and wherever you can. You can forever change someone’s life with the smallest action and also become part of the “Pay it Forward” cycle in which someone will come to your aid.
36. Be generous about introducing people to others in your network.
37. When in a conversation, make direct eye contact and listen to understand.
38. Take full responsibility for your own feelings — never blame others for your circumstances.
39. Recognize the greatness in others and allow them to influence you.
40. Apologize, even when you have inadvertently hurt another’s feelings.
41. Build and look to work with teams of smart, devoted, dignified people who have complementary strengths to your own.
42. Say what you mean, be honest, and clear about your intentions.
43. Read the first 30 principles over and over and over.
Happy “Winning Friends and Influencing People,”
Jackie
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