Are you “bad with names”? It could be hurting you more than you think.
How many times have you heard someone say, “…oh, man, I’m terrible with names.”
I hear it often. The truth is, remembering names is another lost art.
We’re so busy, wrapped up in our own “stuff” that we either forget or don’t make an effort to remember the names of our students, coworkers, Guests, staff, and even new friends or acquaintances.
Thought for the week: What if we were the exception? What if we were the one person in the office or on the team that remembers people’s names, and uses them in conversations?
Guaranteed magic maker, every time.
Science tells us that people like to hear their own names. When we remember someone’s name and use it when we call him or her, talk to them, introduce them, coach them, sell to them, and/or teach them, we make them feel good.
It lets them know that we were listening when we first met them and that we cared enough to remember.
Theodore Roosevelt once said, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”
Remembering people’s names certainly shows them that you care.
The best salespeople, leaders, teachers, and communicators are those who master the art of connecting with people.
Remembering names often spark the emotional connections which allow:
– Teachers to gain credibility and respect with their students and their student’s parents
– Leaders to finally connect with and inspire their teams and organizations to join their cause
– Salespeople to strengthen client relationships and ultimately increase sales
– Political Leaders to gain the trust and respect of their communities
Most people will miss this opportunity. They won’t remember names, and in turn, they will fail to connect with people on a human level. This week, perhaps members of this community will be the exception.
Remember the names of people you meet this week – Guests, new coworkers, new students, new staff members, and even our servers, bartenders, bus drivers, and flight attendants.
Remember his or her name the next time you see them and use it a few times while talking to them.
Make them feel special. Show them you listened. Then, they will know you care.
