I have recently been amazed at how prevalent ‘being late’ has become. As professionals, and simply polite individuals, being perpetually late is simply not an option. The rational goes beyond the fact that being late is just plain being rude to the other party. There are 3 very salient additional reasons why being late is simply not an option:
- It implies to the person waiting that your time is more valuable than theirs. Newsflash: it isn’t. When trying to ‘win friends and influence people’, not to mention just keeping satisfied clients, this is insulting and disrespectful. Sure, everyone runs late once in a while, yet, making being late an expectation of your behavior, does not serve you, your reputation, or your brand. Being perpetually late is not funny, nor is it something for which you want to be known. It is not in service to you. Period.
- It implies you don’t know how to manage your time or schedule your day. Sure, you may be competent in your profession, yet, nothing reeks of over-extension or inability to handle the magnitude and scope of your current role than being rushed, late, or harried. Plan ahead. Build a pad of extra time into your day, when you think an appointment, meeting or activity may take additional time. And, if you are finished early – great! This will allow you a few precious minutes to collect yourself and stay centered in the present moment. What a gift!
- Oh, and relative to the argument that being ‘fashionably late’ or just ‘late’ simply implies that you are very busy and thus, in high demand, are excuses that don’t hold water. Everyone is busy. Lets get back to the old adage: treat others the way you would want to be treated.
Sure everyone is late now and then – yet, for those who make this a habit: Stop it. It is not in service to anyone – least of all, yourself.
You are so right about being late sending such a selfish message. I spent too much time in the Swedish and German culture where you will arrive 5 minutes early or else, wait patiently on the curb until the actual appointed minute and then present yourself at the door.
You are so right about being late sending such a selfish message. I spent too much time in the Swedish and German culture where you will arrive 5 minutes early or else, wait patiently on the curb until the actual appointed minute and then present yourself at the door.
AMEN!!!!
AMEN!!!!
You may know presisely how much I value you, your time, and your opinion by the way I use up your time. If I am habitually late in my dealings with you, it speaks volumes. My excuses and apologies are mere words, and they mean nothing. If I am habitually late in my dealings with you, I am saying how much more important I am than you are. This “habit” demonstrates the most hideous character flaw of all; arrogance.
I will not do it to you, and I will not allow you to do it to me.
You may know presisely how much I value you, your time, and your opinion by the way I use up your time. If I am habitually late in my dealings with you, it speaks volumes. My excuses and apologies are mere words, and they mean nothing. If I am habitually late in my dealings with you, I am saying how much more important I am than you are. This “habit” demonstrates the most hideous character flaw of all; arrogance.
I will not do it to you, and I will not allow you to do it to me.
I love this post and it means so much that we show our appreciation of the other person and their time. I am currently struggling with a persons lateness and now lack of planning on their part has created an emergency on my part. It leaves a lasting impression when especially from a repeat offender.
It was great seeing you at Leadership Academy!
I love this post and it means so much that we show our appreciation of the other person and their time. I am currently struggling with a persons lateness and now lack of planning on their part has created an emergency on my part. It leaves a lasting impression when especially from a repeat offender.
It was great seeing you at Leadership Academy!
I wonder if all those people who are perpetually late will have time to read this and heed your advice? I truly hope so!
I wonder if all those people who are perpetually late will have time to read this and heed your advice? I truly hope so!
We have a son in his early 20’s with ADHD. He struggles with the basics of time management to the point that we’ve offered to pay for someone who can work with him on this issue. It’s worse in the mornings when he’s not clear headed. So he’s been trying different things in the morning and at night to try to get himself up and going and to work on time. Late is late. But if he doesn’t get it now, it will only become a bigger problem.
We have a son in his early 20’s with ADHD. He struggles with the basics of time management to the point that we’ve offered to pay for someone who can work with him on this issue. It’s worse in the mornings when he’s not clear headed. So he’s been trying different things in the morning and at night to try to get himself up and going and to work on time. Late is late. But if he doesn’t get it now, it will only become a bigger problem.
I so appreciate this post Kristen! It reminds me that I need to be mindful of others when I plan task prior to a meeting so that I do not impose my schedule on their time. Thank you!
Now if you could just teach people mobile phone manners, for all age groups. It seems manners have gone out of style and answering the cell phone or texting while visiting or having dinner with another person has become proper etiquette. Additionally, since when did a text message replace returning a phone call?
Is there any hope?
I so appreciate this post Kristen! It reminds me that I need to be mindful of others when I plan task prior to a meeting so that I do not impose my schedule on their time. Thank you!
Now if you could just teach people mobile phone manners, for all age groups. It seems manners have gone out of style and answering the cell phone or texting while visiting or having dinner with another person has become proper etiquette. Additionally, since when did a text message replace returning a phone call?
Is there any hope?
Great perspectives; great closing remark: “treat others the way you would want to be treated”. In today’s business envirnment, depending on the age of the people you are speaking about, the lessons of mutual respect, honor, integrity and caring, need to be reframed and relearned. Thanks for the post.
Great perspectives; great closing remark: “treat others the way you would want to be treated”. In today’s business envirnment, depending on the age of the people you are speaking about, the lessons of mutual respect, honor, integrity and caring, need to be reframed and relearned. Thanks for the post.
[…] on time. Being perpetually late, as mentioned in A Fine Line earlier this week, is just plain rude. You wouldn’t be late for the President of the United […]
[…] on time. Being perpetually late, as mentioned in A Fine Line earlier this week, is just plain rude. You wouldn’t be late for the President of the United […]