Working Up

By Dwayne Phillips

We all have a less-than-perfect memory. Let us admit that and use little gadgets that help us remember to do what we know we should do.

I keep noticing professional and other high-level athletes wearing giant wrist bands. I guess ”wrist band” is incorrect as these things cover the entire forearm of the person wearing them.

Those wrist bands are the athletic and rugged outdoor version of the teleprompter. The teleprompter is that machine used by broadcasters and public speakers that shows them what they are supposed to say.

These gadgets remind persons what they are supposed to do and say. Their jobs are complicated, they want to do the job well, so they use gadgets to help them.

Sounds like a pretty good idea. Difficult situation; use a gadget to help.

Now and then I advise people on how to conduct meetings and interviews and such. “Keep some 3×5 cards in your hand. Flip through them. They will remind you of what to say at a crucial moment.”

People rarely follow that advice. They don’t want to ”look weak” or something in front of everyone. They believe that they should have it ”all upstairs” in their brain and have instant recall.

Remember those professional athletes—some of whom are paid $40 million a year—who wear those giant wrist bands. They don’t remember everything and they are paid much more money than anyone I have ever advised. They don’t mind admitting to less-than-perfect memory. If they can admit that, the rest of us can admit that.

Whether we us 3×5 cards, wrist bands, necklaces (yes, there is a way to bring notes on a necklace), or make dots on our knuckles with a Sharpie, let us admit to a less-than-perfect memory and bring something that helps us remember to do what we know we should do.