Using the fact she couldn't remember Shevonne's name, Laura Cotton taught tricks to introductions, remembering, and getting names again during the workshop with LIAT Account Sales Managers in Barbados. (Shevonne is the behind me on the right.)

I could not for all my efforts remember how to pronounce her name on the first day of the LIAT Account Sales Manager Development Workshop.  Her name card looked like it was spelled “Smevonne,” yet everyone kept referring to her as “Chev on ee.” The H and M difference wrecked havoc in my mind and I just couldn’t make the spelling and pronunciation connection. I listened carefully any time anyone called her by name.  I even tried to discreetly write the phonetic spelling in my notes. But her name remained oh-so elusive so I just didn’t refer to her by name. Then in the middle of the personal branding module she asked, “May I ask something?”

“Sure”

“I’ve noticed that you haven’t referred to me by name. You can’t remember how to say my name, huh?”

She noticed. Hmmm … sharp! Yes, Laura, fess up.

“Very good observation.  I am sorry to say that I cannot remember how to pronounce your name. Would you please say it for me again?”

“Chev-onn-ee.”

“I don’t know why it’s not sticking. I apologize. It may take me a few more times.”

“I realized it a little while ago, and I even moved my name card to make sure you could see it.”

Own it, Laura. Make this work for you.

“See … that is a great example of what to do to assist someone you know may be having trouble remembering your name. If you notice someone may not remember your name, do what you can to help them out in a polite way. Refer to yourself in third person, something like ‘Well I, Laura, would say that …’ We can discuss more tricks during the Introductions module tomorrow.”

I made eye contact around the table and saw approving looks.

Whew … good one.

I truly appreciated her astute observation and that she brought it up in front of the others. (In real life, I suggest a person do it privately to avoid unnecessary embarrassment). One reason for my appreciation is that it created a great teaching opportunity and example of how to react.  A second reason is that it made me, the instructor, seem a little more human and endearing – which fostered a warm learning environment.

Oh … and I ended up calling her Shevy for the rest of the workshop.

(Reposted from April 2010)

In the bliss of my family’s first visit to Tobago, we attended church in the tiny LDS  meetinghouse. My mother sat next to the open window, my father next to her, then me, and then my fiancé, Tony. The room only accommodated about eight rows with four seats across.

While we were engrossed in the message of one of the congregation’s members speaking at the pulpit, our hearts stopped and our ears exploded with the sound of detonated dynamite.

Yes … dynamite.

Even better … dynamite blasted a mere 20 feet away. I could have spit and hit the hat of the detonating officer.

The explosion rocked our building and every bottom of every church attendee was in midair for a second. After the initial shock and swiveling heads, we all recovered, our heartbeats returned to normal rhythms, and our attention back to the person at the pulpit.

BAAAAAANG!!!

Yes … again! (And thankfully the last time, though we were all preparing for a third jump.)

So this is my gripe.  The building in which we were sitting was the only building for three blocks that had anyone inside. With windows open and people speaking, it was obvious to anyone walking by that a group was meeting.  The tent with the detonator and the dynamite was in our parking lot (set up after church services began). The men couldn’t take one minute to walk twenty steps to the meetinghouse doors to notify us of, not one, but two impended shocking noises?

I felt a clear disregard on behalf of the soldiers for me and my welfare of those around me. Fortunately, there was no one with heart problems or terrified children in the building. This was a great example of a “What Not to Do.” Good manners and decent behavior would motivate a quick heads-up to those who may be affected.

Cotton tip: If you know something shocking is about to happen (and you can do so) give any affected party a polite heads-up. Simple stuff.