Top CEO Coach Shares Tips to Improve Name Recall

In his extensive career coaching executives, a top CEO coach has encountered a recurring question: how to remember names. Recently, during a training session, the CEO of a large company in the Midwest observed the coach greeting a new group and recalling all 50 names. Intrigued, the CEO asked for the secret behind this ability. The coach shared several tips on improving name recall, emphasizing the importance of effort, proper learning techniques, and immediate use of names.

The first tip is to put in the effort. The coach noted that progress in life often starts with a strong desire to improve. One of the coach's young tech team members, Chris, initially struggled to remember names but improved significantly with practice. By the fourth attempt, Chris was able to memorize 35 names by lunchtime, demonstrating the power of persistent effort.

The second tip is to understand that forgetting names is often due to not learning them properly in the first place. The coach used an analogy of holding helium balloons to illustrate how names can slip away if not tied down to something. To retain names, one must associate them with something meaningful, such as a visual image or a personal connection. The brain processes memory in stages—short-term, medium-term, and long-term—and sleep helps move information from short-term to long-term memory.

The third tip is to use the name as soon as possible. The coach recounted an instance where someone was mispronouncing a colleague's name for years without correction. To avoid this, one should ask questions about the name, use it in a sentence, and inquire about its meaning or origin. This helps the brain tie the name to the correct post, making it easier to remember. The coach also suggested writing down names in a circle and repeating them forward and backward to improve recall.

The final tip is not to be afraid to interrupt early to get the name right. The coach advised that a leader should interrupt if they do not catch a name, asking for clarification and spelling. This shows respect and builds a stronger connection with the person. The coach emphasized that no one feels insulted by being asked how to say their name correctly.

Bill Hoogterp, the top CEO coach, has advised dozens of Fortune 500 CEOs and offered trainings at more than 100 global companies in 47 countries and seven languages. His insights on remembering names provide practical tips for anyone looking to improve their memory and build stronger professional relationships.