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14 habits of exceptionally likable people

oprah winfrew
Media mogul Oprah Winfrey, known for her ability to connect on a deeply personal level with her interview subjects, has shared her love of Napoleon Hill's book "Think and Grow Rich."
REUTERS/Danny Moloshok

  • Napoleon Hill is one of the first "self-help" authors, and his 1937 book "Think and Grow Rich" is one of the top bestselling books ever.
  • Hill drew lessons from the lives of the most successful people of his era, like industrialist Andrew Carnegie and president Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
  • He determined that learning how to build lasting relationships is better than ruthlessly manipulating people.
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One thing that will never change in business is the advantage charisma offers. The ability to form lasting relationships built on genuine empathy will always beat out a cold-blooded Machiavellian approach in the long run

The writer Napoleon Hill recognized this as a young business journalist and decided that during the Great Depression, he could inspire suffering Americans by sharing lessons from the wealthiest and most powerful people of that era, like industrialist Andrew Carnegie and President Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

His 1937 book "Think and Grow Rich" has sold more than 100 million copies according to the Napoleon Hill Foundation, and he also wrote many other popular essays and newspaper articles in the same vein. He broke down the habits of the most likable people in his essay "Develop A Pleasing Personality," published in the collection "The Science of Success."

He introduced his steps to having a "million-dollar personality" by explaining it was steel magnate Charles M. Schwab's charming demeanor that in the late 19th century elevated him from day laborer to an executive with a $75,000 salary and a frequent million-dollar bonus (astronomical numbers for the time).

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Schwab's boss Carnegie said "the yearly salary was for the work Schwab performed, but the bonus was for what Schwab, with his pleasing personality, could get others to do," Hill wrote.

Here are Hill's 14 habits of people who are so likable that others go out of their way to help them:

1. They develop a positive mental attitude and let it be seen and felt by others

It's often easier to give into cynicism, but those who choose to be positive set themselves up for success and have better reputations.

2. They always speak in a carefully disciplined, friendly tone

The best communicators speak deliberately and confidently, which gives their voice a pleasing sound.

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3. They pay close attention to someone speaking to them

Using a conversation as an opportunity to lecture someone "may feed the ego, but it never attracts people or makes friends," Hill says.

4. They are able to maintain their composure in all circumstances

An overreaction to something either positive or negative can give people a poor impression. In the latter case, says Hill, "Remember that silence may be much more effective than your angry words."

5. They are patient

"Remember that proper timing of your words and acts may give you a big advantage over impatient people," Hill writes.

6. They keep an open mind

Those who close themselves off from certain ideas and associate only with like-minded people are missing out on not only personal growth but also opportunities for advancing their careers.

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7. They smile when speaking with others

Hill says that president Franklin D. Roosevelt's greatest asset was his "million-dollar smile," which allowed people to lower their guards during conversation.

8. They know that not all their thoughts need to be expressed

The most likable people know that it's not worth offending people by expressing all their thoughts, even if they happen to be true.

9. They don't procrastinate

Procrastination communicates to people that you're afraid of taking action, Hill says, and are therefore ineffective.

10. They engage in at least one good deed a day

The best networkers help other people out without expecting anything in return.

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11. They find a lesson in failure rather than brood over it

People admire those who grow from failure rather than wallow in it. "Express your gratitude for having gained a measure of wisdom, which would not have come without defeat," Hill says.

12. They act as if the person they are speaking to is the most important person in the world

The most likable people use conversations as an opportunity to learn about another person and give them time to talk.

13. They praise others in a genuine way without being excessive

"Praise the good traits of others, but don't rub it on where it is not deserved or spread it too thickly," Hill says.

14. They have someone they trust point out their flaws

Successful people don't pretend to be likable; they are likable because they care about their conduct and reputation. Having a confidant who can be completely honest with them allows them to continue growing.

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This story was updated on December 14, 2017.

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