Tuesday, March 31, 2015

How to Win Friends and Influence People


  • Avoid arguments. All arguing does is cause even more of a problem than there was in the first place. Friendships end, sometimes forever.
  • Respect is possibly the most important thing in life. Have enough respect for others to know not to simply shout "You're wrong" in someone's face. Listen to their side, and give your opinion respectfully.
  • Never be too prideful to admit when you are wrong. Accept it, and move on. It won't be the last thing you're wrong about so there's no need to argue over it.
  • When conversing with others, it's always important to 'use honey.' People are more attracted to nice people than those with a bad attitude.
  • By asking questions that make another feel that you care about them and not simply making money, you are more likely to get your point across. 
  • Let others speak more than you speak. People only want to make their point, and it's best done by doing a lot of talking and little listening.
  • If you really want something done by another person, make them think your idea is theirs. People will always want their own ideas to move forward.
  • Always consider where the other person is coming from. If you have the ability to truly see both sides of a situation, you really have a gift.
  • Have sympathy for others. Understand the difficulties they face and never simply blow off another's feelings. 
  • Always appeal to motives more noble than those of your own. People are always more accepting of motives that 'sound good.'
  • Make your ideas dramatic. Show people that you are serious and truly believe in your plans. 
  • Make a challenge. Humans are competitive by nature. If you threaten their work by saying that others are doing better, the bar has been raised.
  • Instead of automatically beginning with an accusation of fault, start the conversation with praise. Bad news is always easier to take after hearing good news.
  • Never call someone out on their mistakes publicly, and try not to do it directly. Attempt to show someone a bad habit by leading them into it, or better yet, letting them discover it themselves.
  • Always show your own mistakes first. Show others that you are by no means better than them, that you mess up just as they do, before you call them on theirs.
  • Ask a question such as "Would you mind..." instead of ordering someone to do something. 
  • A true leader never lowers another down. Leaders allow people to save face if a mistake has been made.
  • If you want someone to do better work, compliment them to others. Give them a reputation to uphold.
  • Never blow things out of proportion. Make things seem easier to fix than possibly what they are.
  • Learn to make others happy to do what you want them to. If you sound against doing it, they will be against it too.
  • When married, NEVER nag. Nagging makes others feel less than.
  • Always come to your spouse's rescue. Never degrade or belittle them.
  • Never criticize your spouse.
  • Be honest and give true appreciation to your spouse.
  • Pay attention to the little things. Notice things about your spouse; it shows that you care.
  • Be courteous to one another.
  • Don't be a 'marriage illiterate.