The deepest principle in human nature is the craving to be appreciated. – William James

who?

Whenever we’re chatting with another person it behooves us to listen and to pay proper attention. The other person must be more important than anything else on our minds. If this is not the case we shouldn’t be chatting, we should politely leave the conversation. Let’s discover why the other person is important to us and express that sentiment!

life principles

9th Dale Carnegie Principle: Make the other person feel important – and do it sincerely.

Here’s a story from the book:

Chris was a very quiet, shy boy lacking in self-confidence, the kind of student that often does not receive the attention he deserves. I also teach an advanced class that had grown to be somewhat of a status symbol and a privilege for a student to have earned the right to be in it.

On Wednesday, Chris was diligently working at his desk. I really felt there was a hidden fire deep inside him. I asked Chris if he would like to be in the advanced class. How I wish I could express the look in Chris’s face, the emotions in that shy fourteen-year-old boy, trying to hold back his tears.

“Who me, Mr. Rowland? Am I good enough?”

“Yes, Chris you are good enough”

I had to leave at that point because tears were coming to my eyes. As Chris walked out of class that day, seemingly two inches taller, he looked at me with bright blue eyes and said in a positive voice, “Thank you, Mr. Rowland.”

Chris taught me a lesson I will never forget—our deep desire to feel important. To help me never forget this rule, I made a sign which reads, “YOU ARE IMPORTANT.” This sign hangs in the front of the classroom for all to see and to remind me that each student I face is equally important

Daily Affirmation: Today I know who’s more important!

Recommendation: How To Win Friends And Influence People by Dale Carnegie