What's In A Name?

As a barista, one of the biggest responsibilities I believe I have is to get a person's name right.
Not just making sure their drink looks good, tastes good, and is exactly what they ordered, but to make sure that it's going to the right person.
Inevitably, I get a few people with interesting names. And every single time I spell their name correctly, or just take the extra five seconds to confirm the spelling of their name, they always appreciate it. Some even tip a little more for the courtesy.
Because names have power.
Have you ever been called by the wrong name, but you know the person is talking to you? It's off-putting... how little does this person care about me that they don't know my name?
Sometimes it is an honest mistake, but I have had superiors get my name wrong... and that's how I know where I stand with them and in the company.
If you are a boss, or in a position of power in any way... learn people's names. Look them in they eye when you speak to them. It's the Western "namaste".
If you are a person who is being asked their name, take those five seconds to make sure it's correct. Pride in your name equates to pride in yourself. The person on the other side of that counter really does care about you in that moment.
Take it.
Make the connection.
Maybe start a conversation.
You never know what could happen .