I find it depressing that the best way to get on someone's good side is a combination of gratuitous flattery and ignoring their faults. Have you ever noticed how much of our language is devoted to simply not offending people?
If you read the book, it specifically tells you to not resort to gratuitous flattery and instead give genuine, meaningful, and honest praise. The book also suggests you to point out people's faults in a more indirect and encouraging manner, so as to incite a desire to improve rather than a doubt of one's abilities.
I disagree. I think flattery backfires, because most people can detect it. Flattery is what comes out of your mouth if your thoughts are not genuine. Dale Carnegie doesn't promote ignoring people's faults. His book is about how to work around or correct people's faults without insulting them.
Comments
I find it depressing that the best way to get on someone's good side is a combination of gratuitous flattery and ignoring their faults. Have you ever noticed how much of our language is devoted to simply not offending people?
If you read the book, it specifically tells you to not resort to gratuitous flattery and instead give genuine, meaningful, and honest praise. The book also suggests you to point out people's faults in a more indirect and encouraging manner, so as to incite a desire to improve rather than a doubt of one's abilities.
I disagree. I think flattery backfires, because most people can detect it. Flattery is what comes out of your mouth if your thoughts are not genuine. Dale Carnegie doesn't promote ignoring people's faults. His book is about how to work around or correct people's faults without insulting them.