Networking
- June 11, 2008
Change 4 - Listen To And Learn Names
I have decided that when I am introduced to someone, I will do my very best to remember their name. I will use their name in a sentence before I leave their presence. In connection with this change, I will stop worrying so much about introducing myself (and trying to be witty) and I will concentrate on what other people are saying.
I’m sure that I am not the only one who struggles to remember names. When I meet someone new, I want to make a good first impression. But, many times, as soon as the person to whom I have been introduced walks away, I have already forgotten that person’s name. This is a bad habit and I am determined to break it.
Hello, my name is NCN and I’m a good listener. 
8 Responses to “Change 4 - Listen To And Learn Names”
I will join you in that. I think my problem isn’t that I am disinterested, but that I am too self-involved when meeting someone new. You know, trying to make a good impression, or as you mention, trying to be witty.
Whatever the case, remembering names is something that I can definitely improve on. Thanks!
- Eric
By Eric on Jun 11, 2008
Excellent goal! It’s something I’ve been working on too, under the general category of empathy. A little effort such as remembering a name goes a long way to improving one’s ability to empathize - a skill I’ve sadly under-used too often.
By ama on Jun 11, 2008
Hi NCN, I often forget peoples names while I’m still chatting with them. I have to make it a conscious effort to say their name just after they introduce themselves to solidify it in my mind. I don’t know why I can’t remember names, maybe its a bad short term memory? Good luck with this change!
By Matt on Jun 11, 2008
I have been working on this for a while and am much better now than I used to be. Thing is we all do it, so learn NOT to be embarrassed to admit it the next time you see them. “Hi, I know I met you at NCN’s house but I am embarrassed to tell you I can’t remember your name”…chances are they can’t remember yours either and they are relieved to be able to repeat the introductions.
By Sarah on Jun 11, 2008
I am horrible at remembering names, so I admire you for taking this on!
By Susan on Jun 11, 2008
This is one of my worst people skills. It may be because I am a visual person, but that is no excuse.
This is an excellent one for me to work on as well.
By Britt on Jun 12, 2008
This is a great goal. I really need to work on this just as everyone does, after reading your post I had my first chance to test myself. I had a chance to meet a group of new people last night and did my best at repeating their names as soon as possible.
As for improvement, I will likely see some of them tonight also to see if I truly do remember their names.
@Britt I am very much a visual learner, I know that if I can write down a persons name I am much more likely to remember it, unfortunatly at most situations that is not very simple.
By philip on Jun 13, 2008
So far, learning names has been pretty easy. I look people in the eye - and I totally concentrate on what they are saying. Yay!
By NCN on Jun 13, 2008