“My dad worked in sales his entire life. He started as a manufacturer’s rep and ended up working as a car salesman in his twilight years. Growing up, I remember how he would talk about Dale Carnegie, the book author and sales guru who died in 1955.

Carnegie became famous because his books changed how successful people lead companies and sell products. Instead of just pushing their own agendas, those with the most friends and the most success have learned how to show empathy to others.

So, what about those who are not successful? They don’t show empathy. They are so selfish and focused on their own goals that they don’t ever gain allies in business, they push people out of projects, and no one bothers to seek their advice. They fail to empathize, and they demonstrate several other traits that can ruin projects–and even destroy companies…”