Today is my daughter-in-law Stephanie’s birthday. Yesterday, I had lunch with my old friend Stefanie. Stephanie prefers to be called Steph and Stefanie likes to be referred to as Steffi. What’s my point? Not taking the time to spell people’s names correctly or use a nickname for them that they do not choose for themselves can indicate either that you do not care enough to take the time to know, or that your powers of observation are so limited that you did not notice, or even that you put everyone with that name into the same mold. None of these is a good option for you, either in business or in your personal life. A person’s name is her most valuable possession. Treasure it as she does and use and spell it correctly. This is a topic that personally resonates with me. I’m Sharlene, not Charlene or Charleen or Sharleen. Look at the signature on an e-mail before writing the greeting on your reply. You’d best believe I am very aware of who spells my name correctly. It may not make a difference in our relationship, but it is very much noticed. How do you feel when people you’ve known for decades continue to send cards and invitations with your name spelled wrong?
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