Names can be difficult.
“Do you prefer Joe, or Joseph, or something else?”
“Doesn’t matter…”
This is a conversation I’ve had many, many times with students. When learning someone’s name for the first time as a classroom teacher, I took considerable steps to learn what the kids preferred, how to pronounce it, and how to get it right.
Why?
Because it does matter.
US Immigration at Chicago Airport: “Aaahn…drayyyy….as? Do you go by Andy for short? Andrew?”
Me: “No. Andreas.”
Having a name that’s not common in the US has helped me better understand the need to personalize the experience people have with me, and in return, create the kind of interaction I’d want in return.
I often ask how to pronounce someone else’s name – especially if they have a name badge. Their eyes light up when someone cares.
“How do I say your name?”
“A person’s name is to him or her the sweetest and most important sound in any language.” – Dale Carnegie.
It’s true.
Saying someone’s name, the way they’d like it pronounced is one of the kindest gestures you can make, and it doesn’t cost a dime.
So why don’t you ask the next time you see a unique name at the gas station, or the hardware store, or right in front of you? You’ll love what happens next.
And you know what? The same goes for pronouns… 👍 🏳️🌈
After all, what matters is what they prefer, not what’s convenient for you.
The respect is free.