Give the Dog a Good Name

"Give the Dog a Good Name"

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The great Dale Carnegie described this as "giving the dog a good name:"

When I have to deal with a company by phone, to straighten something out, often I find myself feeling impatient and acting grumpy. After explaining the problem, I might say, "You're very nice. The problem is..."

I find that people want to help when you like them. When the other person has a reputation to live up to, he will try hard to do so.

Case in point: My friend "John" tells me he thinks I'm sweet. How do you think I behave with John?

Smart parents know this, too. "We expect better from you," they say (not "We're disappointed"). You can also employ this technique when things get sticky: "I've always known you to be truthful," for instance, or, "Knowing your character, I expect you'll resolve this fairly."

Others will work hard to live up to your good opinions of them. Try it and see!