Aug 03, 2003 12:46 PM
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(Updated Aug 03, 2003 01:15 PM)
This is a simple to read and understand self help book written by Dale Carnegie way back in the early 1960's.
This book helped me enormously at a particular time in my life. Let me explain how.
After the High School Board exams, I got through the written tests for the National Defence Academy. Next hurdle was SSB.
I was in Bangalore in 1966, to appear for the SERVICES SELECTION BOARD (SSB) interviews and tests. Unfortunately, my parents had forgotten to sign on an important document. The document was mailed to Bombay and returned to Bangalore, which took 2 weeks. So I was cooling my heels doing nothing except reading and walking the beautiful parks of the city.
At a bookstore I chanced upon this book ''How To Win Friends and Influence People.''
I had never read a self help book till then.
The book gives real life examples on how to deal with people, how to improve your communication skills both verbal and in writing, life stories of successful men and women, quotes from them liberal, how ordinary folks made it big and so on.
I read this book 3 times cover to cover. Little was I to know how useful this book would prove to me at the SSB.
At the SSB, there is a Psychology written paper, where you are put in a situation with various other people and you are asked how you would react/speak in that given situation of conflict. Dale Carnegie had written profusely on such situations in this book, so I just wrote out the answers....and lo....I scored high marks!
Another test is Verbal. 10 candidates, a Major who is an observer, a situation is injected. Each candidate gets 3 minutes to to air his views. Here again, Dale's book came in handy and I shot out words of wisdom coming from a 16 years old. The Major was impressed!.
At the final interview with the Officer Commanding the SSB, rank Group Captain, I was asked questions and here too Dale helped me to answer brilliantly!
I got through at the SSB at the first attempt, where as most candidates take 2/3 attempts to clear this exam. Now a days there are coaching classes galore for NDA/SSB. None in my time.
Looking back some 35 years now, I do wonder if I could have got through to the NDA without Dale.
I must highlight some important features of this book
Writing skills: Dale gives nice example's of how to write to someone who has lost a close relative.
Business letters: Say you sell products and there are complaints. How to write back or deal with that person in person.
Letters to editors: Nice suggestions
Dealing in conflict situations with people: Humility and ability to accept neurotic folks and turn then around.
Good listening abilities: Valuable suggestions.
Ego: How it does more damage than good.
Humility: Excellent examples.
Communication skills: Under varoius situations, including interviews!
A must read for folks below 20 years.
In this age, there are much better self help books in the market and more suited for the current times.
Never the less, a good read. Highlight important paras that suit you in this book.
A must have bok in your library.
