The Importance of Using Names in Leadership

Why Names Matter: The Often-Ignored Leadership Skill That Changes Everything

The importance of using names in leadership is often overlooked, yet it is one of the simplest ways to build trust, strengthen communication, and deepen relationships. Google Discover tends to favor content that connects emotional insight with actionable leadership skills—and there are few things more emotionally impactful than hearing your own name spoken with care and accuracy.

Relationships are what leadership is about. Relationships are built out of communication, trust, honesty, accountability, discipline, and the list goes on. It is a leader’s responsibility to build relationships with their team, their organization, their customers, their vendors, and the communities they serve. One often-ignored aspect of relationship-building is the use of someone’s name in conversation.

Why Names Hold Power in Leadership Communication

Recently, while sitting in a waiting room at a health care facility, I overheard a little girl say to a nurse, “Please remember my name.”It was said with such sweetness and innocence that it immediately stood out—and reminded me how important names truly are.

A name is personal. A name draws someone into the conversation. A name communicates value.

But using a name isn’t enough. Leaders must:

• Use the correct name (“Tracy,” not “Stacy”)

• Learn the correct pronunciation

• Respect cultural, international, or unique names

• Practice saying names correctly

Taking the time to learn someone’s name sends one message clearly: You matter.

The Damage Done When Leaders Get Names Wrong

Mispronouncing someone's name—even unintentionally—can send the message that you are not invested in the relationship.

Consider this example:

In 2005, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger became the youngest starting quarterback to win a Super Bowl. But years earlier, while selecting a college, Ben ruled out Ohio State because the head coach could not pronounce his name correctly. He chose Miami University instead and went on to break nearly every major passing record there.

Ohio State lost out—not because of strategy, or money, or athletics—but because of a name.

Leaders often underestimate how deeply this can affect trust and connection.

Getting Names Right Builds Credibility and Trust

Everyone makes mistakes. But it is essential to correct them by:

• Asking if you are pronouncing someone’s name correctly

• Listening attentively

• Practicing the name in conversation

• Showing genuine interest in getting it right

I once worked for someone who introduced me as “like a daughter to her”—yet she never pronounced my name correctly. The sentiment felt hollow and disingenuous. After all, true connection requires effort.

As leaders, our relationships deserve that effort.

What is the Importance of Using Names in Leadership?

Leadership Is Personal—And Names Are Personal

You may not remember every name of every person you meet, but you must learn and use the names of the people most important to your leadership success.

A strong leadership culture is built through small, consistent actions that communicate value.

Don’t lose your high-performing, record-setting employee because you weren’t willing to learn their name.

If you want to strengthen your communication skills and build better relationships across your team, our Communication Styles in Leadership microlearning workbook is the perfect next step. It helps you understand the unique ways people communicate, connect, and respond—so you can lead with clarity, respect, and authenticity.