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This sounds a lot like Benjamin Franklin's system for improving his personal conduct: he made some rules for himself (e.g. "always be punctual") and recorded in
by sketerpot 18y ago
This sounds a lot like Benjamin Franklin's system for improving his personal conduct: he made some rules for himself (e.g. "always be punctual") and recorded infractions in a spreadsheet. He says it was remarkably effective. Me, I'm just tickled that he tried to solve one of mankind's great problems through the use of a spreadsheet.
- JoelSutherland 18y agoThe first rule given in Dale Carnegie's How to Win Friends and Influence People is: Don't criticize, condemn or complain. He makes it clear that by "Don't" he means "Never".
- ryanv 18y agoDale Carnegie is an asshole.
- deleted 18y ago[deleted]
- Confusion 18y agoThere are many things many people would never learn if no one criticized their behaviour. A corollary: there are many startups that would never have gotten of the ground if friends of the 'owners' hadn't criticised their ideas. Criticism is informative. It informs you of weak spots you easily overlook, it forces you to explain your idea and think about it much deeper than you ever would if no one criticised you. Don't condemn or complain: maybe. Don't criticize: that would really be very wasteful.
- JoelSutherland 18y agoAgreed, but it is worth clarifying Carnegie's statement: When dealing with people, let us remember we are not dealing with creatures of logic. We are dealing with creatures of emotion, creatures bristling with prejudices and motivated by pride and vanity. More often than not, a criticism does not have the intended effect. Our instinct in the face of criticism is to become defensive.
- Hexstream 18y agoThe general principle is: If you want to improve something with respect to some metric, start measuring that metric.