If only the people who worry about their liabilities would think about the riches they do possess, they would stop worrying and start doing something.

– Dale Carnegie

When ill luck besets us, to ease the tension we have only to remember that happiness is relative. The next time you are tempted to grumble about what has happened to you, why not pause and be glad that it is no worse than it is?

– Dale Carnegie

You never achieve success unless you like what you are doing.

– Dale Carnegie

With every line item on budgets being closely evaluated, team building may seem like a lavish expense that companies can do without. However, dysfunctional teams should also be recognized as a cost of business that companies need to remove from their accrued daily costs. When changes and restructuring occur, especially in unstable times, companies cannot afford to forget about the teams that will forge ahead despite the numerous challenges before them.

During any economic downturn, getting things done and attaining results is of the utmost importance. Business success that goes above and beyond expectations is seldom accomplished by one person. Teams are forged for the specific purpose of achieving goals that are bigger than any individual could take on alone. However, the strain caused by these difficult economic conditions may hinder progress and make it difficult for teams to function efficiently. Cuts in budget and employment may require people to work together in ways they haven’t before, and the formation of new teams is a prominent reality. Fear is an influential factor that drives employees to focus their attention on protecting their individual job security, rather than working to benefit the team, the company or its customers. Left unattended, these conditions can create non-productive, inefficient teams.

Creating cohesive, productive teams takes more than contrived team building activities – it requires strong leaders within the company who can motivate the individual employees to create an effective team. The foundation of such a team is a clear vision that unites the group. Establishing trust, accountability and open communication empower each person to contribute their best to the team’s cumulative efforts. On any team, every person is responsible for its success. Taking time to train the individuals using team building to grow the group’s ability to work well together saves companies money over time and lays the groundwork for both short-term and long-term success.

When dealing with people, remember you are not dealing with creatures of logic, but creatures of emotion.

– Dale Carnegie

Take a chance. All life is a chance. The man who goes farthest is generally the one who is willing to do and dare.

– Dale Carnegie

“One of the most tragic things I know about human nature is that all of us tend to put off living. We are all dreaming of some magical rose garden over the horizon instead of enjoying the roses that are blooming outside our windows today. There is no magic rose, no magic button to press in life. The best success comes from hard and focused work and the best happiness comes from making ourselves see the positive things around us.”

– Dale Carnegie