Leadership Book Club: How To Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

Kristen and Mike dive into Dale Carnegie's classic "How to Win Friends and Influence People" - a book that's approaching its 90th anniversary yet remains powerfully relevant. Mike reveals he's read (or rather, listened to) the book nearly 10 times, often before starting new jobs to ground himself in core leadership principles. The couple explores why this 1936 bestseller has sold over 30 million copies and continues to influence modern leadership thinking. Unlike most leadership books, Carnegie's approach focuses on genuine human connection rather than strategy or tactics. As you listen, you'll discover timeless principles that can transform not just your leadership approach, but all your relationships through small yet powerful changes in how you interact with others.

Highlights:

• Carnegie's core message: Leadership is about making people want to do things, not forcing them
• Principle 1: Don't criticize, condemn, or complain - criticism puts people on defensive
• Principle 2: Give honest and sincere appreciation - not flattery
• Principle 3: Arouse in the other person an eager want - talk about what they want
• The book emphasizes remembering names as "the sweetest sound" to any person
• Good listening is highlighted as more important than talking for effective communication
• "The only way to get the best of an argument is to avoid it" - a principle both hosts struggle with
• Mike shares examples of seeing these principles successfully applied in hospitality leadership
• Carnegie's focus on understanding others' perspectives aligns with the improv principles Kristen teaches

Links & Resources Mentioned:

• How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
• How to Stop Worrying and Start Living by Dale Carnegie 
• Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss 
• Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin 
• It's Your Ship by Michael Abrashoff 
• The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier 
• How to Say It for Women by Phyllis Mindell 
• Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara 

Podcast Website: www.loveandleadershippod.com
Instagram: @loveleaderpod

Follow us on LinkedIn!
Kristen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristenbsharkey/
Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-s-364970111/

Learn more about Kristen's leadership coaching and facilitation services: http://www.emboldify.com