Don’t be Late.
It’s SO easy to be late. We’ve all done it, and it seems to be a ‘thing’ these days. There are so many demands on our time, so many options to choose from, and of course some things that aren’t urgent.
But if somebody is expecting us, or has scheduled time for us, have we considered the impact it has on them if we’re late without notice?
Some people seem to think it’s cool, fashionable, spontaneous! Some businesses operate as if it’s normal and that it shows they’re busy and important.
I’m inclined to believe the research that suggests that some of the ‘little things’ we do can be awful for those on the receiving end. And making people wait is right up there!
When we make an appointment and then arrive late, keeping the other person waiting, are we saying their time doesn’t matter as much as ours? Sure, we may have had something come up, or we just had to finish that task. But did we consider that the person we were meeting may be as time poor as we are, or have pressing matters to attend to? Just like us!
That person may not make as much money as us, but their time is just as valuable to them as ours is to us. Sure, hold ups happen to everyone, but how hard is it to send a text, or call? To show we value their time and them.
If being late is habitual for you and you feel it’s time for a change, try these fixes: –
Set your watch five minutes fast (or however many minutes you need) and forget that you ever did it. That way, you’ll always be on time and can stop stressing over being the last one at work or to drop your children at school. And you won’t miss out on the lane you want to swim in, or your favourite car space. Schedule your appointments to finish 5 or 15 minutes before the next one, so you have time to prepare and to be on time.
Or simply remind yourself that other people matter and act accordingly.
When we show the people we work/play/live/do business with that we value their time, and them, we all have a nicer day.
Have a punctual week.
Kim
