Where everybody knows your name…

It’s all in a name.  Think about it… How do you feel when some calls you by “name”? Be it a colleague, neighbor, or a salesperson. The fact that they know your name or can recall your name means something to you! Name recognition and name identity are both significantly important. Our name clearly defines who we are.

Dale Carnegie tells us that, “A person’s name is to him or her, the sweetest and most important sound in any language.”  In addition, Howard and Kerin (2011) in their article the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology explain, “Using a person’s name acknowledged their identity, massages their Ego, and hence boosting their self-esteem”.

I often think of the famous theme song to the popular television show “Cheers”. The lyrics are so true. We want to be around those who know us, care about us, respect us, and who know our name.

Making your way in the world today takes everything you've got.

Taking a break from all your worries, sure would help a lot.

Wouldn't you like to get away?

Sometimes you want to go

Where everybody knows your name,

and they're always glad you came.

You wanna be where you can see,

our troubles are all the same

You wanna be where everybody knows

Your name.

source: http://www.lyricsondemand.com/

In our schools we have the opportunity and “power” to positively impact not only our students, but colleagues, parents, and community members when we not only call them by their name (and when we “remember” their name). Personally, I make it my goal to learn the name of each student in my school.

As you begin the new school year, I challenge to learn the names of as many students and parents that you can. It will change your school!

Here’s my challenge:

Commit to learning eight to ten new student names a week

Commit to learning three to five new parent names a week

I would love to hear how this challenge impacts your school year!

Here’s a video clip to the Cheers intro Theme Song.  Enjoy!