A call for diligence, respect, and mindful leadership.
As a leader, you deal with strategy, results, pressure, and people.
Especially people.
And yet, in the rush of meetings, emails, and expectations, one small but powerful thing is often overlooked: the correct use of someone’s name.
It might seem trivial. A typo here, a forgotten hyphen there. But in reality, how you handle names says a lot about how you lead.
It reveals your attention to detail, your respect for others, and your values – all of which shape how people perceive you, and how willingly they’ll follow.
Let’s explore why getting names right is not just about politeness – but about leadership integrity.
1. A name is never “just a name”
A name is deeply personal. It represents someone’s identity, heritage, or even their pride. It might carry family history, cultural meaning, or hard-earned titles. When you take the time to spell and say it correctly, you’re sending a message:
“I see you.”
When you get it wrong – especially repeatedly – the message flips:
“You’re not worth the effort.”
This isn’t about being overly sensitive. It’s about being aware. In leadership, awareness is not a bonus – it’s a must.
2. Tiny mistake, lasting impact
People don’t always say it out loud when their name is misspelled or mispronounced. But they notice. And they remember. Especially when it happens in:
- Formal documents
- Emails sent to others
- Name tags at events
- Introductions during meetings
One letter off might not ruin a business relationship. But it may erode trust, bit by bit. Over time, these small lapses become part of your leadership “signature.”
Because the way you treat someone’s name is the way you treat them.
3. Leadership lives in the details
Great leadership is not only about vision and results. It’s about showing care where no one expects it.
Being diligent with names reflects a deeper mindset: You pay attention. You take things seriously. You don’t cut corners – even when it seems like you could.
This kind of diligence creates psychological safety. People feel valued, heard, and respected – especially in multicultural teams or in environments where people already feel unseen.
4. Culture starts at the top
Your team mirrors your standards. If you’re careless with names, others will be too. If you treat names with respect and care, your team will follow that lead.
Build a culture where people:
- Ask for correct spellings and pronunciations instead of guessing
- Take the time to double-check names in emails, lists, and presentations
- Feel safe to correct others when their name is misused
It starts with you. Say names correctly. Write them correctly. And make it normal to care.
5. When names go wrong: real-world risks
Misusing names isn’t just bad etiquette – it can cost you:
- Lost opportunities: A candidate may withdraw after seeing their name misspelled in the offer letter.
- Damaged credibility: A client might question your attention to detail.
- Broken trust: A team member may feel unseen or undervalued – especially if it happens often.
None of these consequences are guaranteed. But they happen – often silently.
6. Practical ways to lead by example
- Check before you send: Always confirm names in emails, headers, and signatures.
- Correct yourself quickly: If you notice a mistake, acknowledge it and fix it.
- Normalize asking: Encourage your team to ask about unfamiliar names instead of avoiding them.
- Keep records clean: Ensure databases, CRMs, and contact lists are regularly checked for accuracy.
- Respect nuances: Hyphens, accents, middle initials – they matter. If someone includes them, so should you.
These steps don’t take long. But the message they send lasts.
Final thought: It’s not about perfection. It’s about care.
You won’t always get it right the first time. That’s okay. What matters is your willingness to try, to correct, and to care.
Because in leadership, your small habits speak louder than your big speeches.
And getting someone’s name right is one of the simplest, most powerful ways to say:
“You matter.”
Leadership principle to remember:
“A name is the front door to trust. Don’t knock it down – open it with care.”