One thing I have noticed over the last 10 months in working at LA FItness is that everyone shares the desire of something. You want it. I want it. The neighbor you never talk to wants it. The guy who eats on his lunch break alone wants it. Though we have it from time to time, within circles of family and friends, we long for it outside those common constraints.
Figured it out? Want me to just tell?
We all want to have our name known. There are certain members at work who have stood out and who I have made connections with. I've come to learn their names. And each time I call them by name, I get a warm response. And for those whose name I have yet to learn, I get a generic 'Good' when I ask them how they are.
I also notice a trend in working at the gym. Often times, the same people will come at the same time on the same days. Coincidence? Perhaps at first. But I know for fact that they continue on that schedule, whether they realize it or not, because they know who will be there and that they will be known once they get there. More than rarely, I will turn from my front desk to look at the activity in the gym and see that there are more talkers than exercisers!
Whether you know it or not, you want someone to know your name too. Starbucks knows this. That's why they call your name when your drink is ready. So do me a favor. Rally with me today and ask someone their name and make eye contact with them and sincerely ask how they are. It might be awkward. It might be uncomfortable. But at the end of the day, impact will be made and a person's day will be changed. Who knows, perhaps even and eternity.
