How to Win Friends and Influence People

This grandfather of all people-skills books was first published in 1937. It was an overnight hit, eventually selling 15 million copies. How to Win Friends and Influence People is just as useful today as it was when it was first published, because Dale Carnegie had an understanding of human nature that will never be outdated. Financial success, Carnegie believed, is due 15 percent to professional knowledge and 85 percent to "the ability to express ideas, to assume leadership and to arouse enthusiasm among people." He teaches these skills through underlying principles of dealing with people so that they feel important and appreciated. He also emphasises fundamental techniques for handling people without making them feel manipulated. Carnegie says you can make someone want to do what you want them to by seeing the situation from the other person's point of view and "arousing in the other person an eager want." You learn how to make people like you, win people over to your way of thinking, and change people without causing offence or arousing resentment. For instance: "Let the other person feel that the idea is his or hers" and "talk about your own mistakes before criticising the other person." Carnegie illustrates his points with anecdotes of historical figures, leaders of the business world and everyday folks. --Joan Price

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A Book for Life - Rated
This is one of the most popular books in print and as soon as you have read a few pages you will understand why. Dale Carnegie writes in a very fluid and easy to follow style which will keep you coming back for me. And even when you have finished the book for the first time, you will reread it again and again.

The principles are clearly stated with examples and stories to illustrate their effectiveness in your everyday life.

This is not just a book to make friends and influence people, this is a book that will guide you in your business and social life in general.

You may find this helpful if you work in sales - Rated
I was quite impressed with this book when I first read it. But now some time has elapsed and I don't think I'm any more able to win friends or influence people than I was before I read the book. Most of the advice it contains is common sense at the end of the day - be a good listener, don't criticize people unless it is constructive etc. The one person I feel would benefit from reading this book is a certain abrasive TV chef. People who work in sales may also find it useful - it gives numerous examples of ways salespeople can persuade people to buy their products without giving them the hard sell.

Not a very honest book - Rated
When I first saw this book on a TV programme on ITV1, I was interested in it, so I decided to buy the book on Amazon.co.uk. Personally I have not found the book very helpful mainly because it seems to mainly convey that getting on with other people is more important than being honest with them or developing a relationship with them based upon truth and honesty.

I have found Susan Jeffers, "Dare to Connect" more honest and helpful whilst pursuing honest and genuine relationships.

A Classic - Rated
This is a timeless classic that will allow us to see other people from their point of view, rather than from our own, which is priceless in the area of human relationships. I would also like to recommend the book, If Jesus Is So Darn Loving Then Why Is My Life In The Crapper

An essential skill that never gets taught - Rated
I first bought and read this 15 years ago, and although I found the dated American english a little trying at times, the sheer value of the contents made up for any stylistic shortfall.

What is really amazing is the extent to which Carnegie understood the psychology of relationships and behaviour, and was able to express this in simple concepts that are very easy to apply and still extremely effective.

Influencing skills have always been important, and they are increasingly valuable in a more cynical and less hierarchical society. This is a highly practical guide to getting on with others and motivating them to your mutual advantage.

If Carnegie practised what he preached, it's easy to understand why he was such a phenominally successful individual.

As books in the "how to succeed in life" genre go, this one is a timeless, highly effective classic. If you even remotely think this book could help you, then buy it - you have so much to gain and so little to lose.