Good Reads – Principle 2 From “How To Win…”

I am continuing my posts on the principles found in the book How To Win Friends and Influence Others. In my first post, I summarized the first principle Don’t criticize, condemn or complain. Mr. Carnegie was stressing how important it is to find the best in others and to not condemn them.

His second principle follows right after his first one, Give honest and sincere appreciation. In chapter two, Mr. Carnegie wrote about why he hired Charles Schwab and paid him one million dollars a year. Mr. Schwab was asked why he was paid such an incredible salary for his day and he would say it was because of his ability to deal with people.

In fact, listen to Mr. Schwab himself as he adds to his explanation I consider my ability to arouse enthusiasm among my people, said Schwab, the greatest asset I possess, and the way to develop the best that is in a person is by appreciation and encouragement. There is nothing else that so kills the ambitions of a person as criticisms from superiors. I never criticize anyone. So I am anxious to praise but loath to find fault. If I like anything, I am hearty in my approbation and lavish in my praise.

What great words! Mr. Schwab was telling us that his best attribute is his willingness to praise others and not find fault. He was paid one million dollars a year not for his knowledge of the steel industry, but how well he worked with people.

If you want to get further in life, take notice of the gentleman who was one of the first people in American business to earn one million dollars a year. Don’t be quick to find fault, but be quick to find praise, honest and sincere praise.