THOUGHTS ON BUSINESS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 139, 3 June 1908, Page 4

THOUGHTS ON BUSINESS.

Every business man can well afford to cultivate (he art of literary expression. The thought that writing, like painting and music, i s chiefly for those who make a business of if is disproved by the daily experience of the average business man. Because some specialise in writing, and carry the art beyond the ability of the average man, it is no less aii accomplishment which should in some practical measure be shared by all. Success often consists in expressing a thought so that it will bo accepted and acted upon by others. It may even be said that all work is but the changing of one, thought for another. When we consider what is really achieved in conferences, interviews, directors' meetings, letters, reports, plans, buying, selling, advertising, and other phases of business activity, we see that in every instance the work consists in chauging one thought or one set of thoughts for another. The my.n who thinks most deeply and accurately reaches conclusions, and causes those conclusions to be accepted and acted upon ]>y others, is the man who accomplishes the most vital work. Inability to express hi s conclusion,, clearly and forcefully would, in the degree of that inability, lessen his influence, and success. A command of the modes of language is necessarily a vital part of the equipment of every thorough business man.

The hardest kind of a man to deal with is not the man who disagrees with J yon. but Ihe man who does agree willi you and Ihen does nothing more about it. It is easy enough to work with the man wlui throw,, tlie burden ql proof on you. nml will not act until yffii have convinced him that, you are right, but who, when he has been convinced, makes your plan his own and .sets to work with you to carry it out. His attitude throws yon on your resources, and brings out the best there is in you. You rise to the occasion and defend your views with the assurance lliat you will win hiin over to your way of thinking, and so gain a point worth the effort.