A few months ago I read Dale Carnegie’s classic How to Win Friends and Influence People. Normally I react strongly to books that have covers that have catch lines like “The Only Book You Need…..”
Of course that’s a bunch of nonsense.
I never wanted to read it because I felt like it was super old and cliche and pragmatic. But I was in a situation where I was required to read it so I did..
And there’s actually some really good stuff in there though there’s also a lot of stuff that I could not get with. It should be read as a practical manual for how to network and how to win over people with a more business approach or marketing approach as opposed to how to actually win friendships. It’s more about influencing people rather than winning friends.
I think there are a lot of great tips for building relationships with donors, with connecting with you or potential clients, or even in evangelism and what might be viewed as ministry activity. There’s practical tips, but it doesn’t address the heart so it comes across pragmatic and manipulative at points.
The spirit of the book comes off a bit pragmatic, utilitarian, and health and wealth philosophy to me, but there are some skills highlighted that people can grow in to improve their relationships and connect authentically with different types of people – and NOT to manipulate them as sometimes the book kind of gives a vibe off.
Either way – it’s a useful resource potentially if there are specific things or skills you are trying to improve in. If you are looking for something that will help you grow in the area of relationships I suggest other resources that will address the real heart issues and spiritual side of relationships.
