How to Win Friends and Influence People: Chapter 28

What do you do when someone's performance has dipped below acceptable performance standards?

Instead of berating them and making threats, remind them of their fine performance in the past. Find out if they're having challenges outside the workplace or in their personal lives. When you genuinely care about your people's wellbeing, they will return the favor by providing excellent performance.

Remember when we said people thrive when you throw down a challenge? Reminding them of their fine performance in the past is kind of like offering them a challenge against themselves. They'll think, "If I could do this in the past, why am I failing now?"

"Assume a virtue if you have it not!" - Shakespeare

Carnegie says, "Give them a fine reputation to live up to,

and they will make prodigious efforts rather than see you disillusioned."