Dale Carnegie: A Guide to Handling People in Business - Essay Sample

Abstract

This book is by Dale Carnegie looks at how to handle people. In modern business management, knowing how to handle and work with others is an essential aspect of achieving success in a particular field.

Is your time best spent reading someone else’s essay? Get a 100% original essay FROM A CERTIFIED WRITER!

Save 25%

Introduction to the Author

Carnegie (1888 - 1955) was a humble author who described himself as a simple man from Missouri. This genre was unique as he introduced the self-improvement books. His work has stood the test of time, and his books have improved many lives, especially those in business. Much of his work references real-life examples that people can relate to.

Summary

The book begins by providing three ways through which a person can handle others in different capacities. The rule involves understanding the people around us. In the book, there is a story of a notorious criminal by the name Al Capone who considered himself innocent to the last day. Although he was a renowned criminal, he still viewed himself as the right person. This is human nature.

It is normal that every human being will consider him or herself innocent, no matter the circumstance. If one tries to convince the other of their crime or criticize them, they are met by a defensive individual whose self-esteem has been damaged. They will do anything to justify their deeds or condemn their accusers instead. According to Carnegie (2017), it is better to try and understand these individuals and discover the motive behind their actions. In businesses or working premises, managers need to adopt such an approach as it is better and more productive as compared to criticizing. In doing so, managers are more understanding and tolerant.

The book also indicates that the best way for a person to have another do something is by exciting in their idea and the desire to do it (Mulliez, 2015). Other methods like blackmail, force, and authority are also useful, but the disadvantages are more. If a manager wants to get something from his or her employees, he or she needs to get them what they want. These items include health, food, money, insurance, and other needs. It is also essential to make these individuals feel important. Managers can do so by finding good qualities in their subordinates and complimenting them.

It is also essential to think about what others want instead of just thinking about ourselves. Those in a management position need to put themselves in the shoes of others and have a different point of view. It is a waste of time to think that people often think about other people apart from themselves. It is essential to be interested in others. This should be done with total sincerity is we are to win the hearts of others. In business, numbers are considered at every corner, but in management, actions help attain these numbers. The only way to ensure that activities are executed is by enhancing communication. By having a smile while working, we invite an environment that is open to communication (Bovee et al., 2016).

Remembering an individual's name is very important, especially when these people are part of your team or staff. This point is well described in the book mentioned as it also points out the advantages of remembering other people's names. Having a conversation is part of healthy communication, especially in business. To win someone over, it is essential for them to feel comfortable by ensuring that they are given full attention when expressing themselves. Do not only talk about yourself in a conversation but instead, encourage others to talk about them and mainly discuss with them their interests.

When managing a group of individuals, they must understand their leader's way of thinking. Research indicates that arguments are never always worn, and in most cases, people leave a debate feeling more confident in their success. People in authority should learn how to overcome their impulses and anger. At all times, it is essential to respect other people's opinions and thus avoid a defensive attitude. In this book, the need to admit it when one is wrong is emphasized. One is encouraged to do so promptly and energetically. Making enemies is probably inevitable, but one is encouraged to make friends instead.

If you want to win a person over, it is essential to avoid raising issues that may spark disagreement. Instead, focus on the things that you identify and agree with. Handling complaints is a critical way of improving the relationship between a manager and his or her staff members. To achieve this, one needs to ensure that they feel entirely comfortable as they do so. Always give others the benefit of thinking that particular thought was their idea. Ones people have owned an idea, it is easier to encourage them to pursue it. This also means that managers should be willing to welcome thoughts and desires from others.

Conclusion

Management is all about learning how to deal with the people around you. Communication has also been identified as one way through which effective management can be achieved. Anyone in a management position should communicate his or her ideas in a spectacular manner that appeals to both imagination and sight. The book is very informative on matters management, especially when dealing with people. In the final section, the book looks at how to spur people into achieving success.

References

Bovee, C. L., Thill, J. V., & Raina, R. L. (2016). Business communication today. Pearson Education, India.

Carnegie, D. (2017). How to win friends & influence people.

Mulliez, A. (2015). Knowing your employees: the key to building an internal marketing-mix in French clothing Retail trade (Doctoral dissertation, Dublin Business School).