Let’s All Be Class Acts!

I often listen to audio books while driving. Recently, I was in Barnes & Noble browsing for my next book, and was inclined to settle on a book by the likes of Covey, Godin, Kawaski, Collins, Gladwell, or one of the other deservingly popular authors, as I find their books very helpful.

However, as I was browsing, an audio book by Dale Carnegie caught my attention. It brought back memories.  Many years ago, (okay, I have to admit, it was 1967), I took an excellent Dale Carnegie training program in New York.  The program definitely helped me present myself and communicate better in important business situations.  Additionally, I have always greatly admired Carnegie’s book, How to Win Friends and Influence People. Imagine, he wrote that book in 1936!  Most likely it was the first self-help business book, and, as far I am concerned, it may still be the bible of that genre.

I maintain that being a good boss and an effective leader is not difficult. The keys to success are not buried in secret behaviors that only a privileged few have access to. It’s just the opposite; it’s common sense.  And aren’t Carnegie’s principles just that, common sense? Carnegie says to appreciate others, to not criticize, be genuinely interested, help others feel appreciated and important, ask purposeful questions, listen, encourage, and give others an example of a fine reputation to live up to.

As leadership is influencing and guiding others to do great work, certainly Carnegie’s principles describe the qualities and actions that will help us be an effective leader.

As I was taken with these memories, I decided to choose that audio book. It would be good to get a refresher in the basics. Actually, as I listened I realized that while the discussion of principles really was a refresher, Carnegie’s approach is framed differently.  Carnegie promotes the idea that we want to be viewed and received as a “memorable class act.”

Class act is defined as something or someone of particularly high quality.  In business, that may mean someone who:

• Helps others, is a giver
• Does not seek personal credit, rather shares it
• Listens to understand
• Is helpful, not critical
• Encourages others, and their ideas
• Is appreciative and thankful for people’s hard work and success
• Is easy to work with: warm, welcoming, enjoyable to be with
• Helps others feel important and appreciated
• Is on time, if not early
• Does what she says she is going to do

As I remember, Carnegie did not mention appearance, but I believe that is also an important quality of a class act. It matters if we look good, by that I mean neat, clean, well groomed and dressed appropriately for the occasion or environment.

I can see Carnegie’s point.  If we are givers, if we care about and help others, and we do high quality work ourselves, we will likely be viewed as a class act.

Being perceived as a class act can definitely help us be an effective leader.  People will want to work with us and follow our lead. No matter how it’s framed though, it’s common sense!