I can’t remember names to save my life, which has created moments of embarrassment and anxiety at work functions. When someone I know I’ve met says hello using my name, but I don’t remember theirs, how harmful is it to my career to keep apologizing for not remembering? Is it better to try to fake it?
Fear not about workplace name recognition, as there are easy cures. And they are definitely worth the time and effort, because it’s a sign of respect to remember someone’s name. It’s also a powerful persuasive method to greet someone by their name — people are flattered when you remember them. Commit to being more attentive at the next function. One great tip is to repeat the person’s name when you are introduced, and then use his or her name in the conversation to sear it into your brain. But don’t take this too far; otherwise, you’ll sound like a used-car salesman: “Hey Greg, nice tie, Greg.” “Greg, I can hook you up with a great deal, Greg . . . just for the Greg-meister.” Make a conscious decision to listen more and anticipate when and how to jump into the conversation less.
I’m overloaded as a manager and would like to delegate more to my staff, but I don’t have a lot of confidence that the work will get done when and how I would like it completed. My supervisor has criticized me for “micromanaging” and not developing my staff. I’m not quite sure what to do, given the quality of my staff and my high standards.
I’ve got some tough love for you, my friend — you are not being a very good manager. If you don’t have confidence in your staff, then why haven’t you replaced them with new talent who can perform up to your standards? Or, is it possible you aren’t even giving them a chance to show what they can do, because you want the credit for getting things done? The path to your success is to be honest and start by making sure you have the right team. Once you have that, finding the right balance of doing the work yourself and delegating to others will make you a more valued leader than someone who does all of the work.