Andrew Carnegie

Principles are our summary of their public statements.

• Appreciate Your Unique Lot

  Mindset

  Instead of envying what others have, one should be thankful for their own specific blessings and unique advantages.

  3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

  Source An American Four-in-Hand in Britain  (opens in a new tab)

• Focus on the Essential Key

  Focus

  A leader should identify and seize the single most important factor of a position, ignoring trivial details that do not settle the matter.

  3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

  Source An American Four-in-Hand in Britain  (opens in a new tab)

• Value the managing partner

  Management

  In environments where resources are scarce, a partner with strong management and frugal skills is the key to rising above one's station.

  Supporting quotes

  • “If a workingman in Scotland does not get a clever managing wife (they are helpmeets there), he never amounts to much, and many a stupid man pulls up well through the efforts of his wife.”

  2 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

• Forgive today, chide tomorrow

  Leadership

  Be quick to listen and forgive when someone owns their fault, but delay giving a rebuke until the next day.

  1 more supporting quote is in the member records.

  Source An American Four-in-Hand in Britain  (opens in a new tab)

• Reinvest returns to build capital

  Capital allocation

  Carnegie accumulated his initial wealth by consistently reinvesting the returns from his early investments back into related industries.

  Source Wikipedia: Andrew Carnegie  (opens in a new tab)

• Conditional Philanthropy for Local Commitment

  Management

  Provide funds for public projects only if the local community matches the contribution by providing land and a maintenance budget.

  Source Wikipedia: Andrew Carnegie  (opens in a new tab)

• Turn existing skills into income

  Resilience

  In times of crisis, look to skills acquired in youth or past hobbies to generate immediate cash flow for the business or family.

  3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

  Source Autobiography of Andrew Carnegie  (opens in a new tab)

• Lead with Gentle Authority

  Leadership

  Effective leadership relies on gentleness and certain but light discipline rather than severe punishment.

  3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

  Source Autobiography of Andrew Carnegie  (opens in a new tab)

• Earn Help Through Effort

  Resilience

  People are most willing to help those who are already working hard to help themselves.

  3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

  Source Autobiography of Andrew Carnegie  (opens in a new tab)

• Prioritize Responsibility Over Immediate Pay

  Career

  Focusing on gaining a position of authority and responsibility is more valuable for long-term career growth than haggling over initial salary.

  Supporting quotes

  • “I made it a rule when I heard these to learn something about them at once. I was pleased every day to feel that I was learning something new.”

  1 more supporting quote is in the member records.

• Seek Elevating Social Circles

  Mindset

  Surrounding oneself with cultured and knowledgeable people acts as a powerful stimulant for personal and professional self-improvement.

  Supporting quotes

  • “I made it a rule when I heard these to learn something about them at once. I was pleased every day to feel that I was learning something new.”

  1 more supporting quote is in the member records.

• Presence secures the prize

  Sales

  Being physically present during the decision-making process allows a founder to address objections and capitalize on unexpected opportunities.

  2 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

  Source Autobiography of Andrew Carnegie  (opens in a new tab)

• Leverage reputation for market entry

  Brand

  When entering a new market with unproven products, promise to match the quality standards of your existing successful ventures.

  3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

  Source Autobiography of Andrew Carnegie  (opens in a new tab)

• Speak as You Converse

  Leadership

  Public speaking should be approached as a natural conversation with individuals rather than a formal performance.

  3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

  Source Autobiography of Andrew Carnegie  (opens in a new tab)

• Authenticity Over Artifice

  Writing

  Success in communication and writing comes from being one's natural self rather than trying to impress others.

  3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

  Source Autobiography of Andrew Carnegie  (opens in a new tab)

• Global Perspective Through Travel

  Learning

  Traveling around the world provides a symmetrical view of humanity that partial travel cannot offer.

  3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

  Source Autobiography of Andrew Carnegie  (opens in a new tab)

• Hire Specialized Genius

  Hiring

  Identify and partner with individuals who demonstrate a positive genius for managing specific departments or industries.

  3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

  Source Autobiography of Andrew Carnegie  (opens in a new tab)

• The Power of Sitting Down

  Negotiation

  Instead of fighting or yielding to threats, a leader can win by simply refusing to move until fair terms are met.

  1 more supporting quote is in the member records.

  Source Autobiography of Andrew Carnegie  (opens in a new tab)

• Require Skin in the Game

  Negotiation

  He found that requiring recipients to pay half the cost ensures they are committed and shares the responsibility of the investment.

  3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

  Source Autobiography of Andrew Carnegie  (opens in a new tab)

• Use leverage in negotiation

  Negotiation

  Subtly hint that an offer is time-sensitive or that the buyer's interest might fade to encourage a seller to close the deal.

  Supporting quotes

  • “Not for a crown would I barter that privilege.”

  2 more supporting quotes are in the member records.