If we want respect we must constantly strive to be punctual. Tardiness erodes esteem, appreciation, and regard. Habitually being “on time” shows reliability, dependability, and discipline.
Reliability
When others know you’re punctual to your appointments they begin to predict their interactions with you. After they predict accurately over time they see you as steady and stable. Careful though, folks may begin to depend on you.
Dependability
When you are consistently on time don’t expect celebrations. Punctuality anchors subconsciously in others’ minds. They don’t wonder if you’ll be present. They will conclude, without thought, you are also trustworthy and will accomplish all your commitments. This conclusion develops over time into loyalty to you and your commitments.
Discipline
When we gaze through the small window we have into another’s life we quickly draw conclusions. When people recognize you as being disciplined to your time commitments they often jump to the conclusion you are disciplined in all areas of your life. They may be wrong, but it’s their reality from their view. In their mind you won’t let them down. This will increase your opportunities of success.
Excuses
Our modern Western culture is faster-paced than any other in history. The excuses to be tardy abound. When we are in the habit of being tardy we have likely developed the habit of creating excuses. Benjamin Franklin may have summed this up best, “I have generally found that the man who is good at an excuse is good for nothing else.” Not exactly the reputation we want.
Being habitually tardy indicates selfishness and arrogance. Always late, but worth the wait? Some folks seem to have the mindset that if they're in the parking lot at the beginning of the meeting then they're on time. Those same people may be astonished to know that others recognize them as habitually late, and as a result, don’t take them seriously.
“On time” differs depending on the situation.
One’s role in a meeting dictates what is being punctual. Leadership and participants in a meeting, versus “only” being part of the audience requires us to look at our meetings a bit differently. It means we need to consider two punctualities, distinctively.
Meeting Participant
As a leader in a meeting or one who has a role, such as a presentation, we should be prepared and in place at least 5 minutes prior to the scheduled start of the meeting. This practice has several benefits;
- It reduces our stress.
- It alleviates the need for excuses.
- It indicates professionalism, expertise, and enthusiasm.
Meeting Participant
It is good to arrive for meetings (big or small) before leadership is in their place. The opportunities to meet new people, and re-acquaint with others is greatest during this time. This turns any kind of meeting into a potential networking event. All we need to do is be there to seize the moment.
The Rare Occasion
There are situations that arise infrequently that cause us to be tardy once in a great while. The proper way to enter a meeting that has already begun is quietly. Do not allow your own disruptive actions to disrupt others.
Your stress levels may be elevated, and your embarrassment may be noteworthy, but attempt to keep them to yourself. It is rude to draw attention away from the meeting because you’re late.
People who are punctual communicate to others they are dependable. It shows we are disciplined and respect others. Disciplined because we demonstrate our schedules are respected. Respect because we are valuing others’ time as much as we do our own. If we consider a meeting time as a promise, then, obviously, keeping our promise is important.
How important is it to you to be punctual?
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