Circle of Trust

Dale Carnegie is quoted as saying “Remember that a person’s name is to that person the sweetest and most important sound in any language.”

Former Postmaster General of the United States, Jim Farley, discovered early in life that the average person is more interested in his or her own name than in all the other names on earth put together. Remember that name and call it easily, and you have paid a subtle and very effective compliment. But forget it or misspell it – and you have placed yourself at a sharp disadvantage. Most people don’t remember names, for the simple reason that they don’t take the time and energy necessary to concentrate and repeat and fix names indelibly in their minds. They make excuses for themselves; they are too busy.  We should be aware of the magic contained in a name and realize that this single item is wholly and completely owned by the person with whom we are dealing…and nobody else. The name sets the individual apart; it makes him or her unique among all others. The information we are imparting or the request we are making takes on a special importance when we approach the situation with the name of the individual. From the janitor to the senior executive, the name will work magic as we deal with others.

I took the Dale Carnegie Course several years ago.  The first thing they teach you are techniques to help you remember names.  I urge you to take the time and put forth the effort to try to remember names.  If that is in the gloom or outside, it will make people feel connected and important.