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

People aren't always logical—often, it’s emotions that drive them. This idea is about understanding that human beings are more influenced by how they feel than by facts or reasoning. It's something we can all relate to when we think about our own experiences. Take a heated argument you’ve had; chances are, emotions ran high and logic went out the window.

This concept comes from the idea that our interactions and decisions are rarely just about the facts. It was highlighted by Dale Carnegie in his classic self-help book, "How to Win Friends and Influence People," which was first published in 1936. Carnegie recognized that appealing to people's emotions was key to successful relationships, be it in business or personal life.

Let's paint a picture: Imagine you're at work and you need your colleague to help you finish a project. You could bombard them with logical reasons why they should assist you—deadlines, workload distribution, efficiency. Or, you could take a different approach. You could acknowledge how stressed they've been, show appreciation for their previous help, and share how much their support would mean to you. This emotional appeal is likely to be more effective.

Applying this wisdom involves empathy. Start by really listening to others. If you sense frustration, address it. If someone’s excited, share in their enthusiasm. It’s about connecting on a human level rather than just pushing your own agenda. When people feel understood and valued, they’re more likely to respond positively.

Think about a time when you felt truly heard. Maybe it was when you had a rough day, and a friend didn’t just offer solutions but really listened and empathized. They didn’t just tell you what to do—they made you feel understood. This is the kind of interaction we should aim for.

Consider a manager named Laura. She’s noticed her team’s morale is low. Instead of just implementing new policies, she takes the time to talk to each member individually. Laura listens to their concerns, validates their feelings, and offers genuine support. Her team feels seen and appreciated, and their performance improves not because of any logical argument but because they feel emotionally connected to her and the work.

In your own life, whether you’re trying to persuade someone or simply understand them better, remember this: Logic is important, but feelings are what really seal the deal. Approach conversations with empathy and emotional intelligence. Notice non-verbal cues, like body language and tone. This will help you respond in a way that feels supportive and human.

So next time you’re trying to connect with someone—whether it’s a friend going through a tough time or a colleague needing some motivation—tap into their emotions. It’s not about manipulating feelings, but about genuinely caring and connecting. After all, we’re all just humans trying to navigate this world, emotions and all.