365 Days of Living the Dale Carnegie Principles
Day 27. April 21, 2011
As I walked into Church’s Fried Chicken today I was greeted with a big smile from the cashier I had smiled at a week ago. The look on her face said she was happy to see me.
I was oozing with excitement to see her reaction because it proved last week’s application of the Dale Carnegie principles “stuck”. She remembered I had smiled at her and that I took interest in getting to know her SEVEN days ago.
Since we were on familiar terms—I asked how her baby is doing—if she’s able to sleep through the night, etc. I decided to improve my skills and learn her name—“Esther” and also her baby’s name—“Melanie”. I’m horrible with names—so to help me remember I asked her to spell her name. I visualized the letters in my mind. I made a mental note of the name “Melanie” by thinking of a Melanie I knew in school.
Next week when I return to Church’s Fried Chicken I will be ready to call her by her first name and ask about her baby, Melanie.
As I left we both smiled and wished each other a happy Easter.
The Dale Carnegie principles I used are from How to Win Friends and Influence People:
Principle 5. Smile
Principle 7. Be a good listener. Encourage others to talk about themselves.
This story is a simple example of cause and effect. People remember how you treat them. So take positive actions—such as smiling or being a good listener instead of taking an indifferent, disinterested or even a negative approach. You’ll be amazed how much more interesting even a simple visit to a fast food restaurant becomes.
The Smiling Daffodil 