… the HR Minion. Because even minions have opinions. And giggles.

Say my name!

I don’t know what it is, but I have the hardest time remembering people’s names. As I’ve mentioned in a previous post, this has been a problem of mine for a while. I’m good at recognizing faces or recognizing names. I just have a hard time connecting them and remembering the name of someone new.

This is something I want to get better at and I think I’ve found a way that might help. I’ve noticed that my boss is in the habit of addressing everyone he meets by their name right away. Whether it is a candidate, a client, or even the waitress who takes care of us at a restaurant. I think this is an great way of remembering names and taking the extra step in acknowledging the individual.

I want to emulate this but I keep finding myself hesitating when it comes time to actually do it. I’m not a shy person, so I’m not sure why this is tripping me up. Maybe I’m too conscious of the behavior now so it feels weird to me when I try it. Do any of my readers have other suggestions for improving this? I do NOT want to call a candidate by the wrong name again. Not the best first impression.

2 Responses | Add your Own

  • 1 Breanne :

    I started doing this a few years ago. It feels very odd at first, but becomes very natural after a while.

    People respond positively to hearing their own names. Psychological studies show that things like repeating someone’s name and NLP both create engagement and feelings of rapport.

  • 2 HR Minion :

    Thanks Breanne, I’ll keep making myself do it so that it becomes natural!