Zack

“A person’s name is to that person, the sweetest, most important sound in any language.” – Dale Carnegie

I’ve recently been taking an eight week Dale Carnegie course titled, “Effective Communications and Human Relations Success.” The Human Relation Principles are simple, effective, and utterly mind blowing. For example, some include: how to become a friendlier person, how to win people to your way of thinking, and how to be a leader. Enthusiasm, empathy, and compassion are at the heart of the teachings but today I want to highlight a gentleman that does one of these principles masterfully.

Zack is the front host that checks people into the gym I go to locally. He stands about 5’11 and 150 pounds. He has a tight hair cut with just a little bit of blonde hair to spike on top. I’d venture to say he’s about 19. He’s the nicest guy but something that has always stood out to me is how he greets you. As soon as I walk in, he always says, “Hi Freddie.” I’ll be walking around the gym and we’ll pass each other and he’ll say, “Hey Freddie!” Anytime he see’s me he always says my name. It hit me tonight when I was walking out of the gym.

I was walking out and I threw up a peace sign and said, “Have a good night.” He responded, “Have a good night, Freddie.” I then responded, “Catch ya later Zack!” It’s such a small act of saying someone’s name but it truly is one of the sweetest words in any language. As I think back to some of the Dale Carnegie training, I think of how simple these golden nuggets are but how truly valuable they are in everyday life.

Tomorrow, when you’re out and about. I’d encourage you to say someone’s name. If it fits, try saying the person’s name out loud in a crowded place. It not only shows a sign of respect and acknowledgement but it makes a person feel good. I read a book a few times because it was so on point titled, “You Inc., The Art of Selling Yourself,” by Harry Beckwith. It talked about how people buy feelings. He added, “People buy – and pay more for- the way you make them feel.”

Think about it. Why do you go to the certain Starbucks or Jamba Juice that you go to? I used to go to a certain Starbucks to do work because of the baristas. They were the nicest people that always made me feel important and lifted my spirits by asking how I was. In addition, I always used to go to a certain Jamba Juice that was out of the way because overtime I walked in and they knew how to bring a smile to my face. Sean, Cat, Michael, Nick, Jenna, Susan, and Jenn that you for saying my name but more importantly thank you for making my day all those days!

It’s a simple power that we all can possess. It takes little effort, a dash of enthusiasm, and sincere heart to make someone feel better. People like Zack, Sean, and Cat are Agent’s for the Common Good.

Upcoming Dale Carnegie Courses:

August 15 High Impact Presentations

August 17 Leadership Training for Managers

August 23 Effective Communications & Human Relations Success