Inc. Magazine is a well-known content-driven periodical very much worth reading. In short, it shares a whole bunch of good stuff every month when it comes to entrepreneurial recommendations, ideas, case studies, and overall information. I look forward to receiving their e-zine every month. In most instances, I find myself agreeing with the authors, finding myself interested and stimulated by their views and examples. That is until I read today’s featured article. Emotionally Intelligent People Use These 4 Words When Greeting Someone They’ve Met but Don’t Remember by Jeff Hayden I am not saying Jeff’s suggestion is wrong. I am saying, however, that I believe there is a better way to approach the conundrum mentioned in the title. Allow me to explain.
We have all experienced a situation when a person approaches you and greets you by name. “Hey, Mike. Long time no see.” Their face is familiar, and you realize you have met before. After shooting through the alphabet in a nano-second, their name still eludes you. To avoid the death pause, you provide a generic response. The article suggests you use the four words in today’s title. “Good to see you.” They recommend you keep the conversation going from there, never admitting that you don’t remember the name of the person you are speaking with. Believe me. They can tell you have forgotten. My interpretation of Jeff’s strategy could very well lead to hours, days, weeks, and even months of you never coming up with their name. This could lead to a potentially embarrassing catastrophe in the near or distant future. Why risk this uncomfortable outcome, when it is easily remedied right from the git-go?
My advice is as follows: “Hey, Mike. Long time no see.” “Hi. (Pause.) I am embarrassed, but I think I am experiencing a partial brain freeze. Your name again?” Virtually every human being alive today has experienced this brief memory lapse. They will understand, believe me. They won’t only tell you their name, they will tell you when you last spoke. By simply admitting you are human, you will be back on the same page in seconds.
Flipping the coin for a minute, I will share a practice I have been using for years. To avoid any awkward situations when I approach somebody, and save them from any potential embarrassment, I always offer my name along with my greeting. “Hi, Jim. Mike Marchev.” Invariably they will say with a sheepish grin, “Of course, I know who you are. How are you doing Mike?” Hey! Why take a chance when the common goal is to initiate a free-flowing conversation? And by the way, welcome to the human race.
Mike Marchev is always looking for a few more proactive travel professionals to join his Sales and Marketing Club, mike@mikemarchev.com.
*** You want more to think about? Check out my weekly podcast (Miked Up Marchev). Also listed on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google, and iHeartRadio.