3. Punctuality. In business, you are dealing with people who prize methodology. This is so much so that the latest system, gadget, or management trend can easily capture their attention.
Punctuality is an easily determined metric for those in the business field.
For a human resources manager, it is often one of the only objective indicators of an employee’s performance. Since it is one of the only things an employee has complete control over, it is the indicator you can ensure works in your favor.
If you are in business, and not an employee, punctuality is still crucial. It allows you a moment to survey your surroundings, get a feel for who you are meeting with, and strongly establish your presence. (As opposed to running in the door late, disheveled, and spewing out an explanation for your tardiness involving a schnauzer and a freak tornado.)
Don’t show up too early though because it lowers your perceived value.
Moreover, punctuality:
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demonstrates your time management skills;
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indicates that once you commit to something, you follow through and you thereby begin establishing trust subconsciously;
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demonstrates professionalism; and
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indicates that you place a high priority on that person or project.
Being ‘fashionably late’ is no longer in fashion. According to Pauline Wallin, “chronic lateness is related to procrastination. Latecomers and procrastinators have trouble NOT with time, but with self-discipline.”
If you develop self-discipline in one area of your life, like punctuality, it more easily transfers into additional areas of your life.
Developing discipline is a method used in team sports and, often and not surprisingly, people who have participated in team sports do well in business for that reason.
Instead of viewing punctuality as a burden, think of it as a tool for your professional and personal development.
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If you liked this article check out Rules for Success: #1 or Rules for Success: #2.
6 comments
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January 27, 2008 at 12:26 pm
marlajayne
There’s so much truth in this, and I can’t understand why some people just don’t get it, especially young people. Please don’t misinterpret that because I know lots of middle aged and older folks are late too; it’s just that because of my job, I see more younger than older ones flying in at the last minute, thus causing disruptions and/or holding others up.
persistentillusion says:
I have a theory about young people – I know a lot of people want to lay the blame at ‘entitlement’, however, I know a lot of people who ‘pop on’ the computer first thing in the morning. Unlike “Good Morning America” with its commercial breaks and running clock, the internet is a place where you can mentally lose track of time quite easily.
January 28, 2008 at 3:52 pm
Rules for Success: #4 « Persistent Illusion
[...] Rules for Success: #3 [...]
January 29, 2008 at 3:25 pm
Rules for Success: #5 « Persistent Illusion
[...] Rules for Success: #3 [...]
August 16, 2008 at 8:22 pm
Just Jonny
Coming from a former procrastinator, sometimes time has no meaning. For a while, I would find myself making excuses about being late or not calling back. The excuses were always legitimate, except that they never addressed the root cause: me. Learning the importance of “doing it now” and “while you still can” was a something I learned as I grew older and grappled with the concept of mortality.
For a procrastinator to become accountable, execution of tasks will take motivation, deadlines and importance.
hayden tompkins says:
I am much better when I have a deadline, otherwise I figure it isn’t that important.
August 17, 2008 at 12:32 am
mssc54
I think you missed the MOST IMPORTANT ASPECT of punctuality.
It shows that you have RESPECT for other’s time.
I own a service company and often we hear our customers surprised when we show up on time. We give a thirty minute window and if something happens to delay us further we call and let the customer know.
Just showing up on time can set you above your competition.
hayden tompkins says:
I posted something on Craigslist and the person didn’t show up, call, or email. I gave it to the next person and the original person was upset abou it.
August 18, 2008 at 1:22 am
mssc54
Hayden; some people just have that “you owe it to me” mentality. I told you I would be there. You should have waited…. I would have been there eventually. Right. lol