365 Days of Living the Dale Carnegie Principles
Day 17. April 11, 2011
It was 11:30 am on a typical busy Monday. I had a number of emails to go through—some were pleasant and some were not. Various tasks I left from Friday were still left undone. I was working hard to stick to the Dale Carnegie principles of not worrying and living in day tight compartments as individuals seemed to get under my skin. I just kept smiling and repeating the name, ‘Dale Carnegie.’ ‘Dale Carnegie’.
Eager for a break, I escaped to my favorite place—the Starbucks on Northwest Highway in Dallas. As I walked in, I was greeted not by one but by all four of the employees—David, Robyn, Dominic and Sam.
By greeted—I don’t mean a casual ‘Hello Ma’am’—or ‘Hello Miss.’ They don’t ask what I want to order.
Each one of them greeted me by name with a friendly smile. They also know my drink—my beloved Java Chip Frappuccino—and they know the particular way I like it prepared… with extra chocolate.
The sound of a person's name is even sweeter than a Java Chip Frappuccino...
It is these details that keep me coming back every single day. I am valued and appreciated by my Starbucks on Northwest Highway.
The Dale Carnegie Principles David, Robyn, Dominic and Sam practiced today are from the book, How to Win Friends and Influence People:
Principle 2. Give honest, sincere appreciation.
Principle 5. Smile.
Principle 6. Remember that a person’s name is to that person the sweetest and most important sound in any language.
Thank you David, Robyn, Dominic and Sam for turning my Monday into a better day by using Dale Carnegie’s principles on me!
Remember, no matter how mundane your daily activities might be– look for opportunities to use the Dale Carnegie principles wherever you go. It will give your day greater value and purpose. And don’t forget to recognize when individuals you encounter throughout the day are also using the Dale Carnegie principles.
The Smiling Daffodil 
Denise, you are very sweet to say these things about our store (is that because of all of the Java Chip Frappies you’ve had to drink in your life?, hee hee!) Seriously, it is extremely thoughtful of you to compliment us. While we greet many of our customers by name and with a smile, we are noticeably more enthusiastic when one of our favorites stops by! We love seeing you everyday. You are just as encouraging to us (me) as we may be to you.