Why learn each others' names?

[mfarnham]

I heard an interesting program on NPR about the use of checklists in flight and in medicine to prevent human error. Apparently in many hospitals, surgical teams have an item on their checklist where each member of the team introduces themselves to the others on the team and mentions their role in the procedure. The part about knowing each others' names is important because research has shown that people are more likely to raise an issue (i.e., flag a problem) with another person if they know that other person's name. This leads to errors being caught and corrected more quickly.

Some people have suggested that knowing each others' names better would help on rides, and you could see a similar logic applying. You're more likely to point out something someone's doing wrong if you know their name, and they're probably going to be more receptive to the advice if they know yours. In other words, knowing each others' names isn't just a social issue, it's arguably a safety issue. We all make mistakes after all, and politely correcting these mistakes is part of how we keep each other safe.

We always ask "is anyone new?" at the start of a ride. But that's no guarantee that you know everyone's name on your ride. So consider making it a habit on rides to figure out everyone's name in your group by the end of the ride. Or, if you're new and barely know any names at the start of a ride, try to figure out 3 or 4 names on each ride. Start with the people you tend to ride with, and work out from there.

I teach so many students each term that I've become pretty shameless about saying, "I should know your name, but I've forgotten." Consider being bold this way. Or there's always the sneaky way--ask someone you know "Who's that?" You can do this in the parking lot, on the ride, or at coffee. Those of us who've been around for years still don't know all the names. That's OK but we should keep trying to learn them. And February's a great time to start...while numbers are low but about to grow.

And did I mention coffee?

Ciao!
Martin

[L2R]

Nicely put!

Shelagh

[Rolf]

I’ll say. This is gold, Martin.

I try to make it a point to introduce myself a minimum of three times to riders I don’t know. That way, I finally retain their names in my thick head and, as a bonus, their general expectations of me are enjoyably lowered.

As a strictly practical matter, knowing everyone’s names lets you sit at the back of a paceline and act as a “doorman(person)” for those who need a break at the back. You’re empowered to yell names forward, as in: “Jump in, Hugh! ... You’re up, Claire!”

It also lets you egg on your leadout for the sprint, letting them access the final bit of strength in their legs as you deliver targeted abuse/encouragement from behind. Science says we all try harder when addressed by our given names.*

* No citation needed. This is self-evident.

[John D]

Very nicely put Morton - er, um, Martin.

As a strictly practical matter, knowing everyone’s names lets you sit at the back of a paceline...

It also lets you egg on your leadout for the sprint....

Wow! Who knew that there were pacelines and lead-outs on TSC cyclocross rides?!

J.

[Rolf]

John, if you're feeling particularly courageous just now: try to imagine all the other things that happen on TSCX rides you don't know about.



If you do this correctly, irresistible curiosity will drive you to show up knobs-out tomorrow morning...

(Speaking of knobs*: some days you'd tip our ride John-age to a near majority.)

* Including copycat gratuitous footnoters.

[JTyre]

Firstly, and seriously, a tip of my hat to Martin for his post.

Secondly, I’d be thrilled to see you, John D., out on tomorrow’s crossride. Alan and Rolf’s constant advances, while flattering, have become repetitious, and to be brutally honest, rather pathetic. Would you, or someone, please take up some of the goddamn slack!

Thirdly, and again to you, John D., as a special introductory offer, your choice of one of two cyclocross tutorials. 1) GIFs 101, or how to lose friends and influence no one, or 2) a guide to minor surgeries in the bush*.

*I’m only utilizing an asterisk here because Rolf uses them all the time.

[Alan]

Great thread Martin. I only really remember your name because, while that is a highly unusual name for a fully grown adult, I have two guitars named "Martin", and hence it's always good to have a 'mind hook' for a new name.

But seeing as my cyclocross-Amigo John has slagged me, I need to post a gif (because he taught me how to gif) featuring a bald guy doing bad things. Sorry John, I still won't wear that lipstick regardless of how you beg me... or the nasty names you call me because I keep falling off my bike.

[mfarnham]

The heavy hand of the Tripleshot Censor just fell on Alan's GIF. Sorry. But I tell parents and kids they need to keep up with the forum, and so the GIFs need to be family friendly.

Cheerio!
Big Brother

[Alan]

Apologies Martin. I'll share that one with the man in question.
And I do like your name.
Very manly guitars are named Martin.
Alan