The big secret of success, is, amongst others; that the most important word to any person and in any language, is, the person’s own name.
If you can integrate this ‘secret’ into your negotiations with your staff or clients, you are more than half-way on the road to success.
Obviously, I am now going to relate this to myself (where else besides a Blog where you can blubber?)
Once upon a time, when I was at school, I struggled with the spelling of my name. I am Ilze with a Z, not Ilze with an S.
Not that anyone cared or asked. From Pre- to Primary to High school; I received diplomas i.e. 4 per day at Eisteddfods for example, and the spelling of my name varied so much it’s really a wonder I did not also develop a Multi-Personality Disorder (and you really do not want to know all the funny names!)
Today, people still struggle with my name. While I actually, have a very simple name. The personality? Hmm… Unfortunately, I did not turn out in Wonder Woman or Spider Man! (I really wish…)
I can tell you however, after all these years, I am someone seriously pissed off because too many companies, small or large; don’t even bother with the correct names of their staff.
The issue of spelling or pronouncing names correctly?
If you live in Africa, your staff will supply you with alternative (western) names because it rolls easier on the western tongue. This is also an attempt from their side, to integrate/assimilate into the western culture.
Failed attempts from either side, still is no excuse for pronunciation, and at least, the correct surname. Employers should try at least to get to know his/her name in their own culture.
I believe, it is very important to know your staff’s names. Know a little bit about them, as well, if possible. It’s not good enough to have a personnel list which provides a name, date of appointment, job title, etc. And then probably, with mostly incorrect spelling and data.
(Who is supposed to update the personnel list on a regular basis the way - Dark Varthur?)
At least for goodness sake, make sure your personnel list spellings and data is correct and regularly updated.
Klood Kuara, is actually Kluady Kuaraditchy. Did you bother to double check this? Did you bother to attempt spelling these names correctly on you personnel list? I think, when you say Hallo Klood, he might not take it very well. It simply tells him, you do not care enough to even pronounce his name correctly.
Yes, he will keep his mouth shut and smile ….Because he really needs the job (until something better comes along). Otherwise his wife and children dies from hunger or thirst. Whether you are going to get anything else from ‘Klood’ besides the minimum requirements for the job, is another question.
Personally, if you do not even bother to know my correct name, you will get my working hours as per contract, but, I would not give a shit about your company otherwise.
Yes, we are increasingly, working in corporate environments. Names? Who the hell cares about your tooth ache or grand children?!
I am sure, I can write a while thesis about how important a person’s name is to him/her; and I probably blubbered already too much.
But I can tell you now –
There’s certain things which, if you forget, you might not be so successful in doing.
One of them, is, motivating your staff if you don’t even know their real names or, spelling thereof.
If you can integrate this ‘secret’ into your negotiations with your staff or clients, you are more than half-way on the road to success.
Obviously, I am now going to relate this to myself (where else besides a Blog where you can blubber?)
Once upon a time, when I was at school, I struggled with the spelling of my name. I am Ilze with a Z, not Ilze with an S.
Not that anyone cared or asked. From Pre- to Primary to High school; I received diplomas i.e. 4 per day at Eisteddfods for example, and the spelling of my name varied so much it’s really a wonder I did not also develop a Multi-Personality Disorder (and you really do not want to know all the funny names!)
Today, people still struggle with my name. While I actually, have a very simple name. The personality? Hmm… Unfortunately, I did not turn out in Wonder Woman or Spider Man! (I really wish…)
I can tell you however, after all these years, I am someone seriously pissed off because too many companies, small or large; don’t even bother with the correct names of their staff.
The issue of spelling or pronouncing names correctly?
If you live in Africa, your staff will supply you with alternative (western) names because it rolls easier on the western tongue. This is also an attempt from their side, to integrate/assimilate into the western culture.
Failed attempts from either side, still is no excuse for pronunciation, and at least, the correct surname. Employers should try at least to get to know his/her name in their own culture.
I believe, it is very important to know your staff’s names. Know a little bit about them, as well, if possible. It’s not good enough to have a personnel list which provides a name, date of appointment, job title, etc. And then probably, with mostly incorrect spelling and data.
(Who is supposed to update the personnel list on a regular basis the way - Dark Varthur?)
At least for goodness sake, make sure your personnel list spellings and data is correct and regularly updated.
Klood Kuara, is actually Kluady Kuaraditchy. Did you bother to double check this? Did you bother to attempt spelling these names correctly on you personnel list? I think, when you say Hallo Klood, he might not take it very well. It simply tells him, you do not care enough to even pronounce his name correctly.
Yes, he will keep his mouth shut and smile ….Because he really needs the job (until something better comes along). Otherwise his wife and children dies from hunger or thirst. Whether you are going to get anything else from ‘Klood’ besides the minimum requirements for the job, is another question.
Personally, if you do not even bother to know my correct name, you will get my working hours as per contract, but, I would not give a shit about your company otherwise.
Yes, we are increasingly, working in corporate environments. Names? Who the hell cares about your tooth ache or grand children?!
I am sure, I can write a while thesis about how important a person’s name is to him/her; and I probably blubbered already too much.
But I can tell you now –
There’s certain things which, if you forget, you might not be so successful in doing.
One of them, is, motivating your staff if you don’t even know their real names or, spelling thereof.