Oh man, it’s been a minute since I last picked up How to Win Friends and Influence People, but while traveling this week, I grabbed a copy—and let me tell you, it was a great reminder of just how powerful these timeless principles are! It’s amazing how something written so long ago still hits home today, especially when you’re leading teams. It reinforced exactly what we teach at the Business Leadership Academy—these habits and people skills aren’t just old-school wisdom, they’re the foundation of great leadership, even in today’s fast-paced business world. Whether it’s motivating your team, reducing turnover, or driving growth, these fundamentals never go out of style.
Here are a few standout lessons from the book, and how we apply them in leadership today.
1. Give Honest and Sincere Appreciation
One key idea is the power of appreciation. As leaders, it’s easy to focus on results and forget to acknowledge the effort our teams put in. But people thrive on recognition. A simple, sincere “thank you” can go a long way in boosting morale and productivity.
In my experience, I’ve seen teams transform when leaders focus on catching people doing things right rather than pointing out mistakes. Building a culture of appreciation not only motivates people but also creates a positive environment where they feel valued and perform better.
2. Be Genuinely Interested in Other People
One timeless principle is to take a real, genuine interest in others. As a leader, this means more than just asking how someone’s weekend was. It’s about listening, remembering the details, and showing that you truly care. When you do, it strengthens trust—and trust is the foundation of influence.
Great leaders don’t just manage people; they connect with them. Understanding what drives your team and supporting them in achieving their goals is key to both personal and organizational success.
3. Begin in a Friendly Way
Think about your last tough conversation. Did you focus on the problem or the person? Starting with warmth and respect sets the tone for a productive conversation, even when discussing difficult issues. Approaching tough situations with empathy and a desire to collaborate preserves relationships and leads to better outcomes.
The best leaders I know understand this—they tackle problems head-on but always begin with kindness and understanding.
4. Let the Other Person Save Face
Leaders often need to address mistakes or underperformance, but how we handle these moments defines our relationships. Allowing someone to save face, rather than feel humiliated, makes all the difference in fostering loyalty and long-term growth.
As leaders, we need to correct without crushing. Focus on solutions and ensure that the person walks away with their dignity intact. This not only strengthens the relationship but also encourages better performance.
5. Make the Fault Seem Easy to Correct
Approaching challenges with optimism can inspire your team to rise to the occasion. A leader’s attitude is contagious—if you make challenges feel overwhelming, your team will feel overwhelmed. If you make them feel manageable, your team will feel empowered to overcome them.
Framing a mistake as an opportunity for growth, rather than focusing on what went wrong, shifts the mindset from fault-finding to future-building.
Leadership Isn’t About Power—It’s About People
These lessons are timeless, but they’re not just for making friends—they’re the building blocks of effective leadership. As leaders, our ability to influence, motivate, and connect with others is the key to creating high-performing teams. Leadership isn’t about exercising authority; it’s about empowering people to achieve their best.
The best part? These principles don’t change, no matter the decade. At the Business Leadership Academy (SABLA), we teach these same fundamental skills. Why? Because they work. They accelerate profitability, reduce turnover, encourage team growth, and improve customer satisfaction. In the end, it's about creating a culture where people thrive, and when your people thrive, so does your organization.
If you haven’t yet read How to Win Friends and Influence People, I highly recommend picking up a copy. And if you’re ready to bring these concepts to your team in a structured way, we’d love to help you implement them through our programs at SABLA.
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Amazon: Author Dane Bauerle
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