Book : How to Win Friends & Influence People

Fascinating Story of How founder of Panda Express used books as a part of building the Company Culture and $10 billion enterprise.

Panda Express, founded by Andrew Cherng and his father, Master Chef Ming-Tsai Cherng, in 1983, started in Glendale, California. The concept expanded from their original sit-down restaurant, Panda Inn, opened in 1973. Andrew and his wife, Peggy Cherng, significantly contributed to the chain's growth, with Peggy implementing efficient systems and technology.

Books played a vital role in shaping the company culture. Andrew introduced the practice of encouraging employees to read and discuss books on leadership, teamwork, and self-improvement. This initiative fostered continuous learning and personal growth, creating a positive work environment. This philosophy helped Panda Express expand rapidly while maintaining a cohesive culture, making it a leading Chinese fast-food brand in the U.S.

Have I read this ?

Yes .

Recommendation

Highly recommended. Not just if you are running a business but for everything in general.

The Line I love the most from the Book.

If You Want to Gather Honey, Don't Kick Over the Beehive

Link to the Pod

Time Stamp : 36: 46

Summary of the Book

How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie is a classic self-help book that offers timeless principles for building strong relationships and influencing others positively. Here’s a summary of its key points:

1. Fundamental Techniques in Handling People:

   • Don't criticize, condemn, or complain.

   • Give honest and sincere appreciation.

   • Arouse in the other person an eager want.

2. Six Ways to Make People Like You:

   • Become genuinely interested in other people.

   • Smile.

   • Remember that a person's name is, to that person, the sweetest sound in any language.

   • Be a good listener and encourage others to talk about themselves.

   • Talk in terms of the other person’s interests.

   • Make the other person feel important—and do it sincerely.

3. How to Win People to Your Way of Thinking:

   • Avoid arguments.

   • Show respect for the other person's opinions.

   • If you are wrong, admit it quickly and emphatically.

   • Begin in a friendly way.

   • Get the other person saying "yes, yes" immediately.

   • Let the other person do a great deal of the talking.

   • Let the other person feel that the idea is theirs.

   • Try honestly to see things from the other person’s point of view.

   • Be sympathetic with the other person’s ideas and desires.

   • Appeal to the nobler motives.

   • Dramatize your ideas.

   • Throw down a challenge.

4. Be a Leader: How to Change People Without Giving Offense or Arousing Resentment:

   • Begin with praise and honest appreciation.

   • Call attention to people's mistakes indirectly.

   • Talk about your own mistakes before criticizing the other person.

   • Ask questions instead of giving direct orders.

   • Let the other person save face.

   • Praise the slightest improvement and praise every improvement.

   • Give the other person a fine reputation to live up to.

   • Use encouragement. Make the fault seem easy to correct.

   • Make the other person happy about doing the thing you suggest.