Make Me Feel Important
A spice in social interaction
Our names hold significant weight in our lives; they are an intrinsic part of human nature. To fully grasp this concept, let’s examine two scenarios:
Scenario 1: A team leader introduces someone to the group by saying, “Guys, this is our new marketing assistant.” Yup! Something was missing here.
Scenario 2: Another individual arrives at the gathering, and the host, without acknowledging her name, points to another guest and mentions their name. The newcomer quickly realises her name was omitted from the introduction. If it were you, how would you feel?
The message is clear: neglecting to make others feel special is a common oversight. We crave that sense of importance, cherishing it when someone takes the time to mention or remember our name. It’s a simple yet profound gesture that resonates deeply in every interaction, big or small.
Can you recall a moment when someone you just met remembered and used your name? It was a small act, but it made you feel valued and acknowledged, right? These instances draw us closer to individuals who exhibit this level of awareness. This seemingly insignificant act wields tremendous power in social dynamics, shaping our relationships and interactions in ways we might not even realise.
As social beings, our innate interest in ourselves is undeniable. Consider this: in a group photo, whose presence do you seek first? Naturally, you search for yourself.
Imagine each person you meet with the acronym ‘MMFI” (Make Me Feel Important) imprinted on their forehead. How? By simply remembering their name. And guess what? Demonstrating this level of attentiveness is not a daunting task.
People respond to the treatment they receive. When they perceive that you’ve invested effort in acknowledging them, they will likely respond positively. This is the principle of reciprocity — a give-and-take dynamic that underscores the essence of human interaction. And one of the simplest yet most powerful ways to show this acknowledgement is by using someone’s name. It’s a small action that can significantly impact our social interactions.
