What’s in a Name?

At the same time, they tick their names off the participant list and registration is complete.

A few minutes later during our check in, everyone introduces themselves to the group.

But there’s one challenge that never seems to get any easier for me, even after years of practice… names!

Currently, every few days, I find myself faced with a fresh set of twenty to thirty or so new names to learn.

It’s no small task.

I’m not exactly sure why, but some are easy to remember, others take a few tries, and occasionally I’ll mix up two people completely, especially when there’s a Mark, a Matt, and a Martin in the same room!

Yesterday, the tables turned.

A couple of participants started calling me by the wrong name and not just once!

I could tell they felt a bit embarrassed when they realised, so, in the spirit of fun, I decided to join in.

When one of them said, “Thanks, Darren,” I smiled and replied, “No problem, Martin.” (His name was definitely not Martin.)

Cue a big smile and some laughter.

It broke the tension instantly.

The moment became fun and light-hearted.

Later, as we reflected on the day, I realised something simple yet powerful: learning names is an act of leadership.

It’s about presence.

It’s about seeing people.

When we take the time to remember someone’s name, we’re telling them, “You matter. You’re worth remembering.”

Getting it wrong occasionally?

That’s just part of the journey.

What matters is how we recover, with grace, humour, and a wee bit of warmth.

So, to all the participants out there.

Could you help us facilitator’s out?

If you spot us in an office somewhere, to ease the triggering of the mental panic, please say hello and quickly remind us of your name – just in case!

Leadership, at its best, is all about connection, and sometimes, connection begins with something as small as a name.

What other “small” leadership habits have a big impact on connection and belonging?

p.s. – maybe some bigger name tags may help too!