Let’s face it
We can all be a bit late or even completely fail to turn up on occasion. It happens. That’s life.
But whatever the reason, the fact remains that being unpunctual or not showing up at all in business really does make a bad impression and should always be avoided where possible.
Especially when it becomes the norm.
Why? Because time management is crucial in business.
The crazy thing is that some people almost seem addicted to the added stress of arriving late or working right up to their deadlines, and what’s worse, they repeatedly make the same mistake time and time again.
Here are 6 key reasons why you should try and be as punctual, reliable and conscientious as possible:
- It just plain annoys people.
Being tardy is annoying at best and disruptive and costly at worst.
Think about it, if you make someone miss an important business meeting, flight or deadline because you forgot to set your alarm and overslept or forgot all about your online meeting; then you are not going to win any popularity contests.
And in business, having a good rapport with others can be the difference between gaining a new client and losing an existing one.
- It makes you look badly organised.
We live in a fast and connected world.
Things happen quickly and you have to be ahead to stay in the game. So if you cannot be organised enough to simply turn up on time (either in the real world or the virtual one) it makes you look not only slow, but badly organised and unable to manage your time and affairs properly.
Just ask yourself; would you give someone with a reputation like that your important business?
Sounds like a cliché right? But it’s true. Time is irreplaceable; in fact it’s arguably more precious than anything else.
So if someone wastes your valuable time, you can never get it back, not unless you happen to be a Time Lord and own your own TARDIS!
This is something worth bearing in mind next time you are late. Have you got money and time to waste on things you don’t like doing…like waiting around for somebody else? I am guessing probably not.
And nor do most other people.
- It has a knock on effect.
It’s easy to forget the knock on effect of our actions.
But when we are late for anything it can have innumerable repercussions that we simply have no idea about.
A sales pitch running late (because a key speaker didn’t turn up on time) could lead to a missed train or flight, which in turn could easily lead to someone missing their child’s first spotlight appearance at the school nativity play, or the proud winning goal at the under 15’s soccer tournament.
Get the picture?
Some moments can never be replaced.
- It shows a lack of commitment and dedication.
Not only does this type of repeat behaviour show a general lack of commitment and dedication, which isn’t the best footing to get off on in the world of commerce, but it also puts you at an immediate disadvantage.
Of course there are some brilliant individuals out there who can turn any situation around to their advantage.
But in truth most people need all the advantages they can get.
So unless you are an absolute genius with the strategic military mind of Julius Caesar, an egotistical rock star or a world class diplomat, then take my advice; try to be on time.
- You appear unreliable, untrustworthy and inconsiderate.
I am going to put my neck on the line here and maybe even sound a little harsh, but when I have to deal with someone who is consistently late, unreliable or badly behind schedule (and to add insult to injury then not contactable!); it just plain puts my back up.
In fact, so much so, that normally I make sure we only work together just the once – if you know what I mean.
The thing is, like most normal people, I prefer to work with individuals who are considerate, thoughtful and unselfish. It just makes my life easier. To my mind someone who consistently lets me down, turns up late or fails to meet a deadline is showing, by their actions, that they are falling short of these positive character traits.
And for me, life’s just too short.