Did my son just quote Dale Carnegie?

There are few things more beneficial to having successful relationships than learning good communication skills. Effective communication is a learned skill. My professional life was changed twenty-eight years ago in part because I was told by my mentor to read How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie.
I have quoted Mr. Carnegie’s principles over the years to anyone who would listen, including my two sons. I am sure they appreciated the information, but that is all it is, information, until it has a practical use in someone’s life.

My older son, Nick, is the Road Manager and Director of Merchandising and Digital Media for Matt Mason. Matt won the televised competition, CMT’s next Superstar and his career is taking off. Nick has a long list of responsibilities and most of these include direct communication and coordination with a number of people at each concert venue.

I gave Nick How to Win Friends and Influence People a while ago as a gift. He read it, saw the benefits of adopting these principles and they are serving him well in his current position. While my wife, Lesa, was complimenting Nick on how he handled a recent situation with a fan, he quoted a principle from the book. Lesa could not wait to tell me.

Here are some excellent excerpts that you can use today:

• Smile
• Remember that a man’s name is to him the sweetest and most important sound in the English language.
• Be a good listener. Encourage others to talk about themselves
• Make people feel important, and do it sincerely.
• Begin in a friendly way
• Begin with praise and honest appreciation.

How would learning effective communication skills at a young age change the course of a child’s life? I believe it is as important as learning proper morals, character, humility and manners.

Question: What principle did you learn as a child that has served you well in your life? You can comment by clicking here.

If you would like to learn more about Matt Mason including his upcoming tour dates, go to mattmasonmusic.com
Have a great week!

Pierce