Reflecting on How to Win Friends and Influence People Today by Dale Carnegie

Reflecting on How to Win Friends and Influence People Today by Dale Carnegie

By Lars Guo

Published: November 3, 2025

Opening Message

Hi Folks! I hope you’re all doing well. In this blog, I’ll share what I’ve learned from How to Win Friends and Influence People in the Digital Age by Dale Carnegie — and whether I think it’s worth reading.

I also did a book review on the original version that isn’t about the digital age, so please check out that post using the link below. All of the insights here come from How to Win Friends and Influence People in the Digital Age by Dale Carnegie. The citation is listed at the end.

These are just my personal reflections — everyone’s experiences and takeaways may differ. The book is divided into four parts, and I’ll share what I learned from each. Please enjoy!

Link to the other blog:👉 Reflecting on the Principles of Influence in Dale Carnegie’s Book

Taken by Wix

Part 1: Takeaways

There’s so much to learn from this book, especially from the first section. One key message is to be compassionate and choose your words wisely — the way you speak can make a huge difference in the impression you leave. Avoid speaking ill of others, and focus instead on showing genuine appreciation and encouragement.

People respond positively when they feel respected and valued. Make sure your goals align with those of your team or colleagues so collaboration feels natural. Treat others with empathy rather than intellect alone, and remember: when you judge others harshly, they will often reflect that same judgment back at you.

Part 2: Takeaways

If you want others to be interested in you, take sincere interest in them first — without hidden motives. Be genuine in your curiosity and kindness.

A simple smile can brighten someone’s day and open the door to meaningful connections. Even your tone of voice can convey warmth and positivity. And if you make a mistake, own up to it. Taking responsibility builds trust and shows integrity in your relationships.

Part 3: Takeaways

When it comes to building friendships, interpersonal skills are everything. Stay open-minded, listen to others, and learn from their ideas. Arrogance drives people away — humility draws them closer.

If you find yourself in a disagreement, be willing to admit when you’re wrong. Avoid blame and focus on solutions. When others make mistakes, handle it gently instead of harshly. Trust is the foundation of any strong relationship.

In the digital world, genuine engagement matters more than likes. Take time to comment, connect, and build authentic conversations online. Collaboration leads to success for everyone — it’s not just about winning but helping others win too.

Empathy is a skill we develop, not something we’re born with. If we show coldness, others will mirror it back. But if we lead with kindness, people will respond in kind.

From a business standpoint, rebranding an old product can breathe new life into it. Competing with others can also motivate us to grow and push our limits. Healthy rivalry encourages us to never settle for less than our best.

Part 4: Takeaways

This part focuses on leadership — from small teams to large companies. Criticism rarely brings positive results. Instead, praise your team and show genuine appreciation for their efforts.

Leaders who admit their own mistakes are more relatable and trustworthy. When challenges arise, talk with both customers and employees. Their insights can lead to practical solutions and stronger morale.

Encourage open communication and collaboration. Mistakes will happen, but each failure is an opportunity to grow. When addressing an issue, do so privately and respectfully — never humiliate someone publicly.

If an employee or team member has a personal goal, support them in achieving it. This builds motivation and a sense of purpose. When your company earns a strong reputation, inspire everyone to live up to it — and even exceed it.

Finally, continuous improvement starts with regular conversations. Check in with your team and your customers to keep learning and growing together.

Thoughts About the Book

Overall, I think this is a solid read. If you’re short on time, a good summary might be enough to capture the main points. However, reading the full book offers plenty of real-life examples and deeper insights.

I personally wouldn’t read it again, but I’m glad I did the first time. It’s a worthwhile read for anyone interested in improving communication, empathy, and leadership in today’s digital world.

Closing Message

What are your thoughts about this book? Did it meet your expectations? Would you read it? Do you agree with my takeaways? Let me know your thoughts — I’d love to hear from you! Thanks for reading, and I look forward to sharing my next blog with you soon. Have a wonderful day!

Citation

Carnegie, Dale, & Associates. How to Win Friends and Influence People in the Digital Age. Simon & Schuster, 2011.

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