That’s the title of the book I just read. You may have heard of it, it’s been a very popular book for a long time. Originally written in 1936 by Dale Carnegie, the book has been a favorite for many in the business world as it gives great insights in how to manage people. The truths written in it have proved to be timeless.
I read the book because I’ve heard many people say it’s one of the best “ministry” books they have ever read. Given the age and the target audience of the book, that peaked my interest. The principles listed in the book are nothing new however it was worth reading as a reminder. The book is worth a reading alone because of the many stories it tells of famous leaders implementing the principles.
Over Christmas I read the book and here are a few nuggets of wisdom from it:
In a study they found that 85% of a person’s success in engineering is due to their technical expertise. The other 15% was due to their personality and how they handled people. I would be willing to bet that these percentages are the same across any field. And perhaps are even more polarizing in ministry.
“The ability to deal with people is as purchasable a commodity as sugar or coffee and I will pay more for that ability than any other under the sun” –John D. Rockefeller
“Criticism is dangerous, because it wounds a person’s precious pride, hurts his sense of importance, and arouses resentment.”
“As much as we thirst for approval, we dread condemnation.”
“Let’s realize that the person we are going to correct and condemn will probably justify himself or herself, and condemn us in return…”
“When dealing with people, let us remember we are not dealing with creatures of logic. We are dealing with creatures of emotion, creatures bristling with prejudices and motivated by pride and vanity.”
“A great man shows his greatness by the way he treats little men.”
“There is only one way under high heaven to get anybody to do anything and that is by making the other person want to do it.”
“If you tell me how you get your feeling of importance, I’ll tell you what you are. That determines your character.”
“I consider my ability to arouse enthusiasm among my people as the greatest asset I possess, and the way to develop the best that is in a person is by appreciation and encouragement.” –Charles Schwab
“If there is any one secret of success, it lies in the ability to get the other person’s point of view and see things from that person’s angle as well as from your own.” –Henry Ford
