365 Days of Living the Dale Carnegie Principles
Day 41. May 5, 2011
As I walked into the office, I was very tempted to growl, grumble or at the very least mumble at anyone that dared talk to me first thing in the morning. I have too much to do and not enough time.
But as I walked to my desk I was thrown off. There was a plate on my desk… with quiche!
The way to my heart... or at least a happier morning
Apparently—the way to my heart is my stomach. (Odds are nearly all of you are aware of this detail by now). My mood lightened and I thanked my co-worker for generously making one of the world’s best quiches for me to enjoy.
The Dale Carnegie principle I applied toward my co-worker is from How to Win Friends and Influence People:
Principle 2. Give honest, sincere appreciation.
The Dale Carnegie principle my co-worker employed on me is from How to Stop Worrying and Start Living:
Create happiness for others.
I sat down at my desk admiring the features of the delicious and very unexpected breakfast. It was warm—which means my co-worker had to time things just right with my arrival. It was homemade— not something that came out of a box from the freezer. It had a flaky crust, fluffy eggs and ham. Yummy! Once I considered all these points—I was able to thank my co-worker in an appropriate, sincere way.
Sometimes it’s the smallest things that can ease the tension of a difficult or stressful day. Look for opportunities to do this for your coworkers and you will create a happier more productive environment. Also be aware and appreciative when people are considerate enough to do the same for you.
The Smiling Daffodil 