Tag: Social Interactions

Learnings

When talking to someone, change “but” to “and”

Chris Labs

Many people begin their criticism with sincere praise followed by the word “but” and ending with a critical statement. Example: We might say “We’re really proud of you, Johnnie, for raising your grades this term. But if you had worked harder on your algebra, the results would have been better.” In this case, Johnnie might feel encouraged until he heard the word “but”. He might then question the sincerity of the original praise. This could be easily overcome by changing the word “but” to “and”. “We’re really proud of you, Johnnie, for raising your grades this term and by continuing … Continue reading When talking to someone, change “but” to “and”

Learnings

Assume that he or she is sincere, honest, truthful.

Chris Labs

When no information can be secured about the customer, the only sound basis on which to proceed is to assume that he or she is sincere, honest, truthful, and willing and anxious to pay the charges, once convinced they are correct. To put it differently and perhaps more clearly, people are honest and want to discharge their obligations. -Principle 10, How to Win Friends and Influence People, p.217 Continue reading Assume that he or she is sincere, honest, truthful.

Learnings

Let your friends talk about their achievements and downplay or avoid yours.

Chris Labs

“If you want ennemies, excel your firends; but if you want friends, let your friends excel you.” -La Rochefoucauld. Why is that true? Because when our friends excel us, they feel important; but when we excel them, they – or at least some of them – will feel inferior and envious. -Principle 6, How to Win Friends and Influence People, p.190 Continue reading Let your friends talk about their achievements and downplay or avoid yours.

Learnings

The fable of the Sun and the Wind

Chris Labs

They quarreled about which one was the stronger, and the wind said, “I’ll prove I am. See the old man down there with a coat? I bet I can get this coat off him quicker than you can.” So the sun went behind a cloud, and the wind blew until it was almost a tornado, but the harder it blew, the tigher the old man clutched his coat to him. Finally, the wind calmed down and gave up, and then the sun came out from behind the clouds and smiled kindly on the old man. Presently, he mopped his brow … Continue reading The fable of the Sun and the Wind