Gratitude is Seeing the Miracle in Every Moment.

Thursday, January 30, 2014

How to Win Friends and Influence People: Part 2- Six Ways to Make People Like You "Rememebr Their Name"

What's in a name? Is mine of value to me? What do I feel when another person says my name? In like manner of thought, what is someone else's name in value to them? And how do they feel when I say their name?

Those questions being posed, perhaps we can glean impeccable insight into just how important it is to learn and remember the names of those we associate with, even if that association lasts but a minute. For it is in such attention to detail of an individual that one might obtain success, higher social stations and respect in this short life. Could it be that this simple act of calling another by his or her name is a step towards a higher path and power of influence? Dale Carnegie would easily argue that it is. His ample stories of great leaders and historical influences suggests just such tact.

Consider the greatest leader recognized by religions the world over, even the great God, whatever name you give him, and how He knows each of the earth's inhabitants by name. Elder Neal A. Maxwell once stated: "I testify to you that God has known you individually... for a long, long time (see D&C 93:23). He has loved you for a long, long time. He not only knows the names of all the stars (see Psalm 147:4; Isaiah 40:26); He knows your names and all your heartaches and your joys!"

What impact does being called by our individual names actually place on us? Just that- a justification that in a world filled with millions upon millions and that for a moment, we stand out as an individual, not just a number. To be known on a personal level; recognized by a label that has been individualized, not simply categorized by a vast generalization by genus or species. I.E., I am not just ANY Homo sapien, I am one who's ancestral history indicated my physical structure, my mannerisms, my social norms, my religion, and partially determined what I would be called by to differentiate me from the world.

Broken down in like manner, we come to the understated conclusion of the importance of names to an individual and that the importance of remembering and using names is not just the prerogative of kings and corporate executives. It works for all of us. 

Mr. Carnegie emphasizes that we should be aware of the magic contained in a name and realize that this single item is wholly and completely owned by the person with whom we are dealing... and nobody else. The name sets the individual apart; it makes him or her unique among all others. The information we are imparting or the request we are making takes on a special importance when we approach the situation with the name of the individual. From the waitress to the senior executive, the name will work magic as we deal with others. 

Principle 3: "Remember that a person's name is to that person the sweetest and most important sound in any language."   

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