Learning to Work with People

For one of my classes this semester we are required to read the book How to win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie.  To be honest I thought the book sounded a bit weird.  I mean I usually don’t try to win over my friends and gaining friendships usually isn’t some kind of game to me.  To be honest I am still a bit skeptical about the book, but what I have read thus far has been really rewarding and valuable.  The first three chapters are about handling people, and gives three different principles.  The one that stuck out to me was not to criticize, complain or condemn.  As I read this chapter I was astonished by the simplicity of this task, but how it can really go so far.  Thinking back in my life about the days when I worked customer service in restaurants and at a hotel, it was always such a welcome relief to have someone that didn’t complain, in contrast to those that were upset and criticizing me for things completely out of my control.  Ever since I worked with such people, and reading this book, just confirmed it, I have vowed never to be such people.  I vowed that even if something goes wrong, don’t ever belittle and condemn a person for it.  Kindness can go a long way, and will help you go far in life.