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Protocol & Etiquette Corner
Submitted by the Office of the Surgeon General Protocol Point of Contact:
LT La Keisha C. Jones, USPHS (lakeisha.jones@hhs.gov)
 

Please note that information provided in this Commissioned Corps Bulletin article is intended to provide clarification for officers of the Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service (Corps) who are coordinating, executing, and participating in Corps related activities, events, and ceremonies. In response to frequent questions received from civilians, officers, and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Operating Divisions, Staff Divisions, and non-HHS organizations to which Corps officers are assigned, the Office of the Surgeon General will publish monthly columns to provide clarity on topics such as, but not limited to, ceremonies and routine activities.

Please contact the Office of the Surgeon General if you have any questions or concerns regarding protocol and etiquette in the Corps – Lakeisha.jones@hhs.gov


Remembering Names

It takes 5 seconds to make an impression. While we would all like to be judged by our innate worth, the majority of the time it is that first impression that determines whether someone continues to be interested in getting to know who we are and what we are capable of doing. But it takes more than a straight gig line and your hair in a perfect bun to make a stellar impression.

Impressions of us, formed by others, are based upon how we present ourselves. What I am talking about here are our soft skills. Soft skills are things such as dining, greeting, handshaking, and appearance. These ‘skills’ are common sense when you think about it, but all too often are not remembered, nor conscientiously demonstrated on a consistent basis in the office.

This month we are going to tackle a soft skill that is very basic, but very important. It is a skill that individuals of all pedigree and rank are sometimes challenged with – remembering names.

We have all been in a situation where an individual could not remember your name even though you had already met them on a few occasions. Or we have met an individual that actually remembered our name along with a little bit of information about us.

Both of these experiences may have left us with a more positive or less impressive perception of the individual.

When our name is remembered we are impressed that out of all the individuals they may have met, they remembered our name. It may not sound like a big deal, but isn’t it comforting to know that you are no longer a random individual to that person, but that you actually have a connection?

If you self proclaim to be one of those people that just can’t remember names, or have been in a situation where someone else has forgotten yours, here are ‘5 Tips for Remembering Names’ to help everyone remain at ease and avoid it turning into an awkward or embarrassing encounter.


5 TIPS FOR REMEMBERING NAMES

  1. Stop telling yourself and others that you cannot remember names. Start saying – “I am great at remembering names.” Positive thinking goes a lot further than focusing on what you think you can not do.


  2. Slow down, pay attention, and listen. Take the time to connect with the person, not just their name. Focus on the person when you meet them and when you say good-bye.


  3. Use their name in conversation often (at least three times). Repetition builds memory. Examples:

      “Good afternoon Jim.” Conversation
       “So Jim, are you enjoying your new position?” Conversation
       “It was great catching up with you, Jim.”

  4. Look the person in the face. Most of us remember images better than words. Connect the name with the face.

  5. Establish a personal connection with yourself or someone you know. “That’s my sister’s name.”
In the event that you cannot remember someone’s name:
Stay calm; extend your hand, smile, and say your name. The individual will then say his or her name. He/she may not have remembered your name as well and will be relieved that you provided it.

Should someone not remember your name:
Come to his or her rescue immediately. Now is not the time to play the guessing game with them - It starts with a Z…I’m in the Office of the Surgeon General…We met last year at COA….

Extend your hand, smile, and say your name.

It takes 21 days to start a pattern. So this month focus and practice remembering the names of individuals in your office and/or your Professional Advisory Committee. You’ll truly stand out among others if you are able to master the name game!

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