The Continuing Adventures of Just a Waiter

 One of the things that I try very hard to do at work is remember names.  Now, this may sound silly to some people, but believe me, it makes a difference.  People remember when you remember who they are.  Especially when you've only just met them, when there's been no specific or dramatic or, for that matter, necessary reason for their name to be remembered.  The fact that someone takes the time to learn what their name is simply to make their day better does just that.  

For our residents, particularly our new residents, it makes them feel like we care.  Which, we do care, by the way.  Some of them have a hard time transitioning into a community residence setting and when we are able to call them by name early in the process, it helps to take some of that burden off of their shoulders because they feel better about moving in.  The same goes for our residents families.  Learning their names as well shows them that not only do we care about our residents, but we care about their families.  Getting to know the families is important and starting with learning names is a great way.  People are truly impressed when you remember who they are and which resident they belong to.  And I have made some wonderful friends in our residents' family members over the years.

Learning the names of other associates is important too.  One reason for that is that, in some ways, we are separated in several ways.  Being in different departments sometimes means that we don't interact with other associates on a regular basis.  And having three separate buildings, not interacting with the associates in other buildings is almost a definite.  Taking the time to learn names shows team building, which is a vital component of our company.  Today, I talked to several associates that were on their first day of training and called them by their names without having to look at their name tags.  I hope it made them feel welcomed into our community.  I believe that it is a great way to start associates off and with the work atmosphere that we work hard at maintaining, the community management team should not be the only ones who know everyone's name.  That must trickle down through all of us.  And when it does, it creates comradery, which is a blessing.

While it may seem like such a minor thing, knowing names of residents, family members and associates is just one way we make a difference every day.  That is all.