PromptnessBeing on time is a controllable, competitive advantage. Note to self: be on time to things, even if you are in a position of power for the…
Being on time is a controllable, competitive advantage. Note to self: be on time to things, even if you are in a position of power for the meeting.
We all have the right to set our own priorities — one of mine will always be to not waste other people’s time. As I, and all of us know far too well, we have limited time on this earth. Each moment counts.
While I think about not wasting my own time, I am far more concerned with how I spend the time of other people. The least we can do, in my opinion, is be conscious of our asks of other people and minimize the amount of other people’s time that we are spending unnecessarily.
So here is my promise to you. If we ever have a meeting, I will do my very best to show up on time (probably early). I rely on my calendar for support, but, generally speaking, I have everything in line.
Promptness, to me, is a great indicator of priority. I want everyone to know that I care about their time. I am aware of how valuable their time is, and I’ll do whatever it takes to conserve it.
On the contrary, and not with reference to a particular occasion, surely you recognize that tons of people do not share this priority. Who cares if I am 3 minutes late to a meeting? Tons of successful people are perpetually late. They have the right to be. It is their own priority (or lack thereof).
While I do not think that everyone should make promptness their priority, I do think doing a mental check and being aware of your priorities is extremely valuable. You can use that knowledge, in becoming self aware and understanding why you do what you do, to become a more transparent person.
If you may be late to someone, just give the other attendee a heads up.
I respect people who are in a position of power who show up on time to things.
I find that, far too often, people like that show up late to things. Why do they? I am not judging. They are probably really busy and have tons of far more important priorities. Hell, they are taking time out of their day to talk to me! That is a huge sacrifice already.
I do, however, think that taking the extra 2 minutes in coordinating your day to be precisely prompt is a competitive advantage.
From my perspective, it makes me feel like the other person really cares about me. They value my time.
(not saying if they are late they do not value my time, but I think being on time reinforces it)
Anyways — hold me accountable. I’ll be doing my best.
Originally published at gonen.blog.
By jordangonen on April 25, 2017.
Exported from Medium on February 17, 2018.