How business leaders can win friends and influence people

Pharm. Sesan Kareem

Dale Carnegie’s timeless classic, “How to Win Friends and Influence People,” offers invaluable insights into human relationships and effective communication. While the book was originally written for individuals, its principles can be applied equally well to business leaders seeking to build strong teams, foster a positive company culture, and achieve organisational success.

As a business leader, I have used these principles to improve customer satisfaction, build strong relationship and inspire my team. Below are ten principles every business leader must imbibe.

1. Become genuinely interested in others

One of the most fundamental principles of effective leadership is to genuinely care about the people you work with. By taking a genuine interest in your employees’ lives, both personally and professionally, you can create a more positive and supportive work environment. Ask about their families, hobbies, and goals. Show that you care about their well-being and are invested in their success.

2. Smile and make others feel important

A warm smile can go a long way in making others feel welcome and valued. When you greet your employees with a smile, it sends a message that you’re happy to see them and that they’re important to the team. Additionally, make a conscious effort to make others feel important by recognising their contributions, acknowledging their achievements, and expressing appreciation for their hard work.

3. Remember names and use them frequently

Names are a powerful tool for building rapport and making people feel special. By remembering and using people’s names, you demonstrate that you care about them and their well-being. This simple gesture can go a long way in building trust and fostering positive relationships within your team.

4. Be a good listener

Effective listening is essential for building strong relationships and understanding the needs and perspectives of your team members. When you actively listen to others, you show that you value their opinions and are interested in what they have to say. This can help to build trust, improve communication, and create a more collaborative work environment.

5. Talk in terms of the other person’s interests

People are more likely to be receptive to your ideas when you present them in a way that benefits them. By understanding your employees’ interests and needs, you can tailor your communication to be more persuasive and effective. For example, when discussing a new project, explain how it aligns with their career goals or benefits the team as a whole.

6. Make the other person feel important

Everyone wants to feel valued and appreciated. By recognising and acknowledging others’ accomplishments, you can boost their self-esteem and create a positive and supportive work environment. This can be as simple as offering a word of encouragement, providing constructive feedback, or publicly recognizing someone’s contributions to the team.

7. Give sincere appreciation

Expressing gratitude and appreciation is a powerful way to build relationships and foster goodwill. By recognising and acknowledging others’ contributions, you can create a positive and supportive work environment. Make a conscious effort to express your appreciation for your employees’ hard work and dedication. This can be done through formal recognition programmes, informal praise, or simply by saying “thank you.”

8. Avoid arguments

Arguments are often counterproductive and can damage relationships. By focusing on finding common ground and avoiding confrontational language, you can resolve conflicts peacefully and maintain positive relationships within your team. When faced with a disagreement, try to see things from the other person’s perspective and look for ways to find a mutually beneficial solution.

9. Turn enemies into friends

Even in challenging situations, it is possible to build bridges and create positive relationships. By focusing on common interests and finding opportunities for cooperation, you can transform adversaries into allies. This can be particularly important in business, where conflicts can arise between departments, teams, or individuals with competing interests.

10. Be enthusiastic about your work

Your enthusiasm is contagious. When you’re passionate about your work, it can inspire and motivate your team members to do their best. By showing your excitement and enthusiasm for your company and its goals, you can create a positive and energising work environment.

By applying these principles, business leaders can create a more positive, productive, and fulfilling work environment. By building strong relationships with your team members, fostering a culture of trust and respect, and inspiring others to achieve their best, leaders can achieve both personal and professional success.

ACTION PLAN: I show genuine interest in others, I make other people feel important, and I give sincere appreciation.

AFFIRMATION: I am action-oriented. I am a goal-getter. I am blessed and highly favoured.

Sesan Kareem is the visionary Founder of HubPharm Africa, a patient-centric digital pharmacy, www.hubpharmafrica.com, and Principal Consultant at the Sesan Kareem Institute, www.sesankareem.com.ng. To engage SK for your training and speaking engagements, send an email to sesankareem2@gmail.com.