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How to remember someone’s name after meeting them
There's a new boss in town
Hi friends. We just learned that when dogs dream, they’re most likely dreaming of their owners, and well, we’re not crying, you’re crying 🥹 (okay, we’re def crying).
Today’s tunes: “Oh na-na, what's my name??” - A question we hope no one asks us after we just met them because we literally have no idea… which leads us to our first topic of today!
Have a Q for us? We have an A for you here!
What To Do When You Always Forget People’s Names
question
I feel a little silly even asking this question, but every time I meet someone new, 9/10 times I forget their name the minute they introduce themselves. I’ve been attending more networking events lately, and know this is an important part of connecting with others. Do you have any tips or tricks for remembering? —K.
answer
Meeting someone new can be overwhelming, and a lot of the time we find ourselves thinking about the next thing we’re going to say instead of being in the moment. Try these tricks out next time you shake hands with someone:
Associate their name with something else. It’s likely you know of someone else with the same name, so try thinking of that other person to help jog your memory.
Repeat their name out loud. When you first meet, repeat their name out loud back to them. Saying something like “Nice to meet you, Andrea,” will keep your brain in the moment and help you remember later.
*Cheat code*: If other people are at the event and you can’t remember the person’s name you’ve been talking to for the last 45 minutes (been there!), invite someone else you know into the conversation. Then, introduce your friend to the other person, saying something like “This is XXX,” and then the other person will chime in and say “Nice to meet you XXX, I’m XXX.” Problem solved.
We can’t even remember what we had for lunch yesterday, so it’s not the end of the world if you forget someone’s name. If all else fails, saying something casually like “I’m sorry, can you remind me of your name again,” isn’t as scary as you think, we promise… because we’ve had to do it!
How To Be Respected In Your New Position
question
I'm a new manager in a department where there wasn't one previously. One of my employees is having a hard time reporting to someone now (me) when they previously had more contact with the director and more decision-making power. Any advice on how to navigate this? —R.
answer
Change can be hard if we’re comfortable with the way things are, especially when it comes to our jobs. But, unfortunately, change is inevitable and a big part of life, so let’s talk about how to best address this situation.
Have a one-on-one. Start things out on the right foot with your direct report by getting to know them. Assure them you’re not here to ruffle any feathers, but you’re here to do your job, and that means leading your team. Ask questions about their work style, what they’ve observed has and hasn’t worked in the past, and what you can do as a manager to help them succeed in their role.
Set clear expectations and processes. Now that you’ve clarified that you’re in this together (cue High School Musical), it’s time to introduce new expectations and processes. Give real-world examples as to why these new processes will be helpful so they know you aren’t just shaking things up now that you’re the boss.
Encourage new ideas. When Andy Reid, coach of the Kansas City Chiefs (aka Taylor’s team), was coaching the Green Bay Packers, he used a play given to him by a janitor that scored a touchdown. Just because you’re the one in charge doesn’t always mean your ideas will always be the best. Be sure to let your report know you’re open to hearing new ways and ideas of making work more efficient.
Remember, you’re leading the team, but a team means working together to get things done. With transparency, communication, and mutual respect, you’ll be your new direct report’s favorite boss in no time!
Need some advice? We wanna hear it here!
…as you watch The Devil Wears Prada while on the clock.
We’re fully in our fall era, so we won’t stfu about apple spice and everything nice, including this homemade apple butter on Instagram by nicole_thenomad.
Annnnnd the most prime example of how men should step up (literally) goes to… our friend Henry! Check out the viral moment when he traded his sneakers for his girlfriend Tabitha’s heels when her feet started hurting. We love to see it!
Looking for some spooky movie suggestions this Halloween? The Cut’s list of 55 Best Halloween Movies covers all of our favorites. Reply to this email and let us know what are some of yours are!
Thanks so much for hanging out! We’re manifesting good vibes all around for the remainder of the week (and then some). TTYL!
—Rod and Gabi
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