How to Have Confidence and Power in Dealing with People by Les Giblin Summary

Les Giblin’s How to Have Confidence and Power in Dealing with People teaches practical strategies for effective communication by addressing three core human needs: acceptance, approval, and appreciation. The book provides actionable techniques for building confidence, improving listening skills, and fostering mutually beneficial relationships in personal and professional settings. Each chapter includes summaries for easy retention.

This book is ideal for professionals, leaders, salespeople, and anyone seeking to enhance interpersonal skills. It’s particularly valuable for those navigating workplace dynamics, customer interactions, or personal relationships. Les Giblin’s insights are timeless, making the book relevant for both new and experienced readers.

Yes. Readers praise its no-nonsense approach to human relations, comparing it to Dale Carnegie’s classics. The book offers proven strategies for gaining cooperation and goodwill while maintaining self-respect. Reviews highlight its enduring relevance, with one calling it “worth its weight in gold”.

Key ideas include:

• Prioritizing others’ needs for acceptance and appreciation.
• Using praise as a motivational tool.
• Developing active listening skills.
• Creating win-win outcomes through respectful communication.
  Giblin emphasizes adapting to human nature rather than expecting others to conform to your preferences.

Both books focus on interpersonal effectiveness, but Giblin’s work is more tactical, offering step-by-step methods for immediate application. While Carnegie emphasizes likability, Giblin balances empathy with achieving personal goals, making it a practical complement to Carnegie’s philosophy.

Les Giblin (1912–1986) was a two-time national Salesman of the Year who transitioned into training executives at companies like General Electric and Johnson & Johnson. His door-to-door sales experience shaped his insights into human behavior, which he distilled into seminars and books like Skill With People.

The book teaches how to:

• Frame requests to align with others’ interests.
• Resolve conflicts by acknowledging perspectives.
• Inspire teamwork through genuine appreciation.
  These methods help reduce friction and increase productivity in professional environments.

Some modern readers may find the 1950s-era examples dated, though the core principles remain applicable. Critics note it prioritizes practicality over deep psychological analysis, which may disappoint those seeking nuanced theories.

While written before the digital age, Giblin’s emphasis on authenticity and active listening applies to virtual interactions. The book’s advice on clarity and empathy helps readers navigate emails, video calls, and social media mindfully.

A standout principle: “If you put out sunshine to people, sunshine will come back to you.” This metaphor underscores the importance of positivity in relationships, reflecting Giblin’s belief that kindness begets cooperation.

Both books share foundational principles, but Skill With People is a shorter guide focusing on daily interactions, while How to Have Confidence... offers a comprehensive system for long-term relationship building. They work well as companion pieces.

Despite technological shifts, human desire for respect and connection remains constant. Giblin’s focus on adaptable, principle-based communication ensures its utility in diverse modern contexts, from hybrid workplaces to social networks.