RSdoesNU: Remember me?

I attended a great social event this past Friday. There were a bunch of people—grad students just like me. I thoroughly enjoyed the various conversations I had with the new people I met—many of them from out of town, 1st time visitors to the Twin Cities. But the biggest problem I have (and keep having) is that I can barely recall names.

Not everyone.

But most people I meet, I forget their name almost instantly. It’s not that I try to forget. It’s more like I need a better way to remember. A 10-minute conversation just won’t do it. Sometimes a 30-minute conversation isn’t enough either. So if I meet you and forget your name, please know that it isn’t because I want to forget. I can’t help it. I realize that I don’t have the easiest name to remember either.

So here’s a solution: leave me your business card. I will make brief notes about what we talked about or maybe what you were wearing or any other standout features. And I promise that next time, I’ll be 73 percent more likely to remember your name.

RStheGr8: Work Social Life

Since my first job out of college up until now, I've learned a lot about the importance of work social life. Even now in my temporary work situation, it is critical for me to form relationships and those usually develop after work hours. I'm taking advantage of every opportunity to socialize with co-workers from happy hours to baseball games to lunches. I consider it an investment of my time and money into a bigger long-term reward.

A year ago, I would always pause when co-workers inquired about my weekend plans. Now, I realize that that's one way to forge a connection. I realize that although I didn't always feel like participating, I was only hurting myself. I'm sure I missed out on some deeper connections and friendships in the workplace. Part of a positive work life balance is engagement.

How can you really be engaged if you only go to work and come home every day? That leaves the potential to miss out on so much.

Do you have any thoughts on work-life balance and forming friendships on the job?