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I would like to start adding photos to my contact list. I sometimes find it difficult to remember people faces and having them in my contact file would be very helpful. I work for an engineering company and I often take a digital camera to site meetings. So having the camera at hand is not typcially a problem.

Any suggestion on asking people to take their photo without seeming either rude or weird or an idiot?

Gareth's picture

In work we have an internal directory of every single person who works for the company, with contact information and a photo. We have the option to opt out of the photo being displayed. I did find it helpful as a new member of staff however if you were to ask to photograph me (once you explained why) I would personally still feel slightly uncomfortable.

Maybe I shouldn't feel uncomfortable but if you were to ask someone and they said no would it create a difficult moment for you both?

rthibode's picture

Hi Gareth,

I think it's a clever and practical idea to add photos to Outlook contacts, but think I would find it a little creepy if a man I had just met asked to take my picture for whatever reason. If we were co-workers and knew each other fairly well I probably wouldn't mind, but then again you probably wouldn't need it for someone you know well.

I wonder if you'll get different reactions from men and women?

mjpeterson's picture

Rachelle/Gareth,
You both indicate that asking to take the picture has the potential to make a negative impression. I had the same feeling and this is exactly why I have not done anything with this idea. It may be that this is not something that is feasbile right now, at least without making people uncomfortable. Thanks for your input.

-mike

aspiringceo's picture

Hi Mike,
I'm with the other posters, I would be uncomfortable with the idea and if you asked if you could take my photo my answer would be why?. I dont know if the answer"because I'm not good at remembering faces" would create a good 1st impression with me.

Edmund

Mark's picture
Admin Role Badge

My apologies for my delay.

Boy, I sure am sorry that everyone seems to be so insecure, or quick to jump to negative conclusions about a co-worker's efforts.

I wasn't going to recommend he do so, but it's sad nonetheless.

Mjpete: just pay more attention. Everyone I've met with problems remembering folks' names tends to not focus on people naturally.

Again, I regret my absence.

Mark

davefleet's picture

I used to have a problem with remembering faces. I found that one simple step helped to overcome this.

When you are introduced to someone for the first time, repeat their name back to them. For example:

"Hi, my name's Jeff"
"Hi Jeff, I'm Dave. Nice to meet you."

Instead of:

"Hi, I'm Dave. Nice to meet you."

I find that saying someone's name right at the introduction stage really helps. Plus, like all MT tips, it's remarkably simple.

Hope this helps.

itilimp's picture
Licensee Badge

Jamie's summarised some tips from the Dale Carnegie course for remembering names over on his [url=http://blog.jamiequeen.com/search/label/Remembering%20Names]blog[/url] that may be helpful also.