London

Anne Marie Zammit Lupi
Learning & Development Manager
Starwood Central London Hotels

'I first heard of 'Dale Carnegie' quite a few years back when I came across a book entitled 'How to stop worrying and start living'. I found this book very useful and have always wanted to share its ideas with quite a few people I know who tend to worry too much. The next time I heard about Dale Carnegie was when Clive Thompson approached me and suggested that I try 'The Dale Carnegie Course' for myself. My enthusiasm to introduce the programme into our hotels spiralled as this is not like any other programme I have followed before. Initially I thought I would struggle to get through 3 1/2 hours after a long day at work. The programme is so high energy that you don't see the time fly!

We all know that in order to be successful, it is your people skills that will sustain you in the long run. The DC programme helps you build your interpersonal effectiveness based around key principles that although not new, are often forgotten in our rush to get on with life. I could certainly see a huge opportunity for our Managers to continue to build on their effectiveness. Dale Carnegie provided the opportunity for people to practise their story telling skills and thus their presentation skills but more importantly to build on their strengths rather than focusing on weaknesses which can tend to be demotivating.

The results have been outstanding. It has brought out the best in our Managers and especially those who were uncomfortable presenting at meetings or any other presentations, they have suddenly blossomed and their confidence has increased hundredfold. The results have been measured through individuals' performance appraisal improvements.'