Use Their First Name - Week 27 of the 52 - Week Employee Recognition Plan

I announced in May, 2010, the 52 - Week Employee Recognition Plan. This is the 27th week. The lesson this week is:

Use their first name.

Such a simple act.

Charm and charisma are often featured with a great leader’s list of attributes. Charm and charisma are empty without this simple step: use their first name.

Recognize THAT person.

It is part of how a great leader makes you feel you have their undivided attention, that you are the only person they care about.

Few acts are as flattering as the simple act of a well-respected leader recognizing us with our first name.

Few acts are as deflating for us as the simple act of a soon-to-be formerly-great leader forgetting our names, failing to address us with our names.

Sure. We’re busy. We live and work in chaos. Maybe, we’re busy, work and live in chaos and are part of 1000 person organization. Ok. So, what? Your successes now present a new challenge. Remember the names.

There are tricks and tips to help you if you’re not one of those people who have a magic memory for people’s names. Try using it 3 times when you’re introduced.

1. Bill?
2. Bill, it’s nice to meet you.
3. What’s your biggest challenge working here, Bill?

Maybe, that's too old-school. Ok. Create your own.

Failing that, be honest.

You were introduced to me last week. I failed to write your name down. Please tell me your name again so I won’t forget it. It’s important for me.

Then write it down. Send them a note afterwards.

Find a way, a rule, a tip. Use their first name.

Their first name is the first step towards their engagement. Our first name is the first step towards our engagement.

Use it.

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You can start with any week of the 52 - Week Employee Recognition Plan and make that your first week.

You can take one of those weeks and turn it into a month or commit to an accelerated pace and complete 6 of the weeks in one month.

You can create your own week of employee recognition. Share that journey here. Share it in your blog or Twitter or Facebook.

But, do something to recognize your employees! They set your brand apart as your ultimate competitive edge.

And the more you recognize their achievements, the more achievements you'll see and they'll enjoy, along with your customers and and shareholders, partners and vendors.