by “If you don’t do this, you are headed for trouble”
The title reads as if a giant neon sign is facing you in the road displaying, “Stop, danger ahead if you go this way!” Both strike your immediate attention.
Unlike the road sign, the title makes you wonder what is store for you within the pages that make up this chapter. Think of the possibilities that could be highlighted – we know it isn’t smile because that has been covered. So to solve the mystery, we read on.
And what was the thing you must do to prevent heading for trouble? Like smiling it was a simple act of courtesy – calling others by their name. What I enjoy most about the first few chapters are that they remind us to be better, then we will receive better.
Dale Carnegie reminds us that simple acts beget extraordinary results. Below are a few note worthy quotes and questions for reflection. I hope you find them useful as you strive to Win Friends and Influence people.
Notable Quotable:
1. “Jim Farley discovered early in life that the average person is more interested in his or her own name than in all the other names on earth put together. Remember that name and call it easily, and you have paid a subtle and very effective compliment. But forget it or misspell it—and you have placed yourself at a sharp disadvantage.” – Dale Carnegie
2. “Most people don’t remember names, for the simple reason that they don’t take the time and energy necessary to concentrate and repeat and fix names indelibly in their minds.” – Dale Carnegie
3. “One of the first lessons a politician learns is this: “To recall a voter’s name is statesmanship. To forget it is oblivion.” – Dale Carnegie
4. “Good manners are made up of petty sacrifices.” – Emerson
Questions for Reflection:
1. Jim Farley never had a formal education but he became successful. What was his key to success?
2. What was the reason for Andrew Carnegie’s success according to author? How can you incorporate this skill into your life?
3. What is one way to warm up a corporation? How can this same technique assist you in improving your business and casual relationships?
4. What are some examples of things that people use so that their name will be remembered or recognized?
5. Time for self analysis – do you remember the names of the people you regularly interact with either at work, school, or at the gym?
6. What are a few techniques Napoleon utilized to remember others names? What are some techniques you use? If this an area of weakness for you, which techniques would you like to try?
Strategy for Success:
Pay attention to the names attached to the name badges employees wear at each place of business you visit for the next week. Make the effort to call them by their name. Write their reaction in your journal. At the end of the week, how did you feel?
Til next time,
“The information we are imparting or the request we are making takes on a special importance when we approach the situation with the name of the individual.” – Dale Carnegie
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