Do you have a good memory? When someone gives you their phone number, are you able to recall it after dialing it just a time or two? Do you remember names when introduced to people? Can you memorize statistics and use them when defending your point of view in a political debate?
When it comes to memory, people have varying techniques and aptitudes. Whatever your abilities, having a good memory can be hugely helpful in your career. At your job, you may be expected to multi-task throughout the day, managing hundreds of emails that contain all kinds of information. On top of that, your day may be filled with various meetings and conference calls.
Throw in the fact that you are expected to remember who people are, and keep up with all of the changes in your organization, and you have a lot to remember at any given time. In essence, the world is a fast-paced one, and the ability to recall information is essential and expected. Below are a few reasons why improving your memory skills can help you on the job.
* Business is now conducted in real time, and globally.
Business is conducted at a fast pace these days, and often over multiple time zones. As a result, you may be expected to join meetings at all times of day or night. You will also be expected to remember details about various cultures and transactions.
The better your ability to recall key information, the better you can cope with the speed at which information travels in the current high-tech world. On any given day, you may receive hundreds of emails, containing various requests or pieces of information you need to know.
You may not have time to list out your priorities or to address each email in the order in which they arrive. Instead, you will be better served to be able to filter through the emails, committing to memory the things you need to know as you go through them and the things you need to come back and address.
In the old days, a manager may spend an hour with his secretary organizing his thoughts and tasks. In today's world, though, people largely must use their minds to store all kinds of data and tasks.
* A good memory aids you in learning an organization.
Depending on your role in an organization, you may be expected to understand a great deal about the operations and the way the business functions. You will also need to remember who does what, which can be challenging at a time when both layoffs and company reorganizations are common.
* Networking is key to success.
In business, who you know can still take you places. For those who are focused on building a strong network, they may find themselves in professional organizations or other functions in which names and cards are exchanged. The ability to remember a person's name and role at such functions is a truly needed skill. People like you to know who they are and what they do in these settings, especially if they have met you at a prior event. Avoid the embarrassment of not remembering certain people by using your memory skills to identify them.
* People learn from their mistakes.
In business, you can make a few mistakes. The caveat, though, is that you learn from them and do not keep making them. It's important, therefore, that you be able to remember certain key things or behaviors that will benefit you, and also recall the ones that will not.
* Facts build credibility.
When you are presenting a business case to management, you will want to back up what you say with facts. You will also be faced with questions from your audience. In this situation, your memory can be a great asset, as you want a variety of facts in your arsenal. The more factual and accurate you are, the more credible your perception will be.
In conclusion, memory is a very important skill to develop for your career. There are so many pressures to handle loads of information. The business world is fast paced and ever-changing. In this environment, your ability to process and recall what you need to know in a variety of situations can take you far.