Human relations matter: Part two
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Public relations is taught in private and public sectors, but it seems as if many are inept at getting along with people these days. Turn on the radio, television or any screen for that matter and you are exposed to reports and displays of violence of some sort. Public observations and interactions are more often not as positive and productive as they could be. If you are in the business world, most are expected to obtain some professional development hours on a yearly basis. Salespeople, specifically, spend most of their development hours working on their people skills or more becoming more effective in the fine art of getting along with people in everyday business or social contacts. One of the most recommended business success books, How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie, is divided into four sections and each chapter highlights a principle to learn and apply.
Section one of the book, Fundamental Techniques in Handling People, has three chapters which provides three foundational principles. The first chapter is entitled If You Want to Gather Honey- Don’t Kick Over the Beehive. In this chapter, there are several stories about famous people providing many references to Carnegie’s first principle: Don’t criticize, condemn, or complain! Wouldn’t our households, schools, worksites, institutions and entire world be different if more would live by these three principles alone!
The second chapter’s principle is to give honest and sincere appreciation. Looking for and expressing appreciation for people without judgement is not only a virtuous practice, but also a stress reduction practice. So much energy these days goes into complaining and fault finding, which only fuels stress. Having a grateful attitude will help establish a calmer atmosphere and working relationship.
Carnegie’s third chapter entices interest with the title: He Who Can Do This Has the Whole World with Him- He Who Cannot Walks a Lonely Way. He discloses that the third principle is to arouse in the other person an eager want. Hopefully this article arouses you to want to study human relations like a salesman.
Try living by one of these principles on your own for a month or enroll in one of Michigan State University Extension’s social-emotional health and well-being programs on stress management, parenting, or anger management.
