There are thousands of business books out there, but everyone who knows me knows I’ve always been a huge fan of Dale Carnegie.
How to Win Friends and Influence People was first published in 1936, yet so much of what Carnegie wrote still feels remarkably relevant today.
In a world of constant communication, digital networking and endless advice on leadership, influence and charisma, his message remains refreshingly simple:
People want to feel valued, heard and appreciated.
Here are 7 genuine Dale Carnegie principles that I think are just as powerful today as they were nearly 90 years ago.
1. Don’t criticise, condemn or complain.
People rarely change because they’ve been attacked.
2. Give honest and sincere appreciation.
Notice what people do well, and tell them.
3. Become genuinely interested in other people.
Ask questions. Be curious. Listen to the answers.
4. Smile.
A simple smile can change the tone of an entire interaction.
5. Remember people’s names.
Carnegie believed a person’s name is one of the sweetest and most important sounds to them.
6. Be a good listener.
Encourage people to talk about themselves instead of always waiting for your turn to speak.
7. Make the other person feel important, and do it sincerely.
Not through flattery, but through genuine respect and attention.
The interesting thing? None of these require you to be the loudest person in the room.
Carnegie’s approach to charisma was less about impressing people, and more about making people feel valued.
Perhaps that’s exactly why a book written in 1936 still has so much to teach us in 2026.
Mike Jack is Director of the one Consultancy