In today's Asking Eric column, R. Eric Thomas responds to someone who isn't sure how to remember co-worker's names.
In today's Asking Eric column, R. Eric Thomas responds to someone who isn't sure how to remember co-worker's names.When new people are hired, they are often from different backgrounds with names I’ve never heard of. When introduced, I don’t know the name or can’t remember how it’s pronounced.
As a first-generation immigrant, my last name is also different. Whenever I meet people for the first time, I slowly pronounce it and often spell it out and pronounce it again to make it understandable. Why do people assume others will understand their unusual names and not make any attempt to clarify them further?People’s so-called unusual names are often not so unusual to them. And who’s to say what any given person they meet is familiar with.
When you don’t understand a person’s last name, ask them to help you. “I want to make sure I get your name right; can you spell it for me?” You’re taking an extra step by clarifying your name for folks; others may not feel compelled to do the same because it can make them feel, well, unusual.If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation.
@Zmentz R-Eric-Thomas Asking-Eric
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