Punctuality projects professionalism

The common excuse: "I am so sorry I am late. I was stuck in traffic." Deserving response: "No kidding - You know, I chartered a plane to get here on time!"

Are you not tempted to respond this way to any person who has been notoriously late to work or meetings and arrives with this excuse. They may be friends, peers, family, guests, or strangers, it matters little who they are because tardiness is a serious lack of respect.

Let me dispel a preconceived notion first. Being late does not make you an important person or a privileged person. You may be both but not by being late.

Instead, it 'brands' you as a rude and ignorant person because you lack consideration and respect for other people. Your apologies for being late, however profuse and sincere, do not excuse the tardiness. Your reasons for being late simply insult the other person's intelligence.

Aim to be early

Many people run late because they suddenly realise, in a mad rush, that there are so many things that must be done before they can leave.

Which tasks or activities prevent you from being on time? Which tasks or activities can you defer to a later time and which can you tackle at an earlier time?

Within that list, there are activities you could have done the night before, things you must do in the morning and finally, things you can do after you get home from work. Make an effort to observe the average duration of your commute. Give yourself extra time than what your mind tells you is sufficient. If you're aiming to be on time, but always end up late, then aim to be early.

Punctuality communicates a plethora of positives to your employer, your peers and to your followers if you are a leader.

It shows that you're dedicated to the job, interested in the work, committed and accountable.

Being punctual helps employees project a sense of professionalism and commitment. Lateness shows a weakness of character, especially in the case of leaders. It shows that you are selfish and put your feelings above others.

When employees are punctual, the workplace operates more smoothly. When everyone is on time, the daily operation can start in full stride with maximum efficiency.

Try to recall the number of times you have called a meeting or gone for a meeting and the meeting got delayed due to late arrival of participants.

Have you ever tried to cost these delays? Lack of punctuality not only affects the 'machine' of the workplace - it affects the people in it. When leaders are late, it sends an irresponsible message to employees, which affects productivity. When leaders are punctual, it exhibits a work ethic to aspire to.

Tough truth

Being late is a form of stealing. That's a tough truth, but it's a truth nonetheless. When you make others wait for you, you rob minutes from them that they'll never get back.

Time that they could have turned into money, or been used for the things important to them.

In coming to meet you at the agreed hour, they may have made sacrifices - woken up early, skipped their breakfast - and your lateness negates those sacrifices.

If you wouldn't think of taking ten rupees from another man's wallet, you shouldn't think of stealing ten minutes from him either. This is a costly habit for any business though many companies do not quantify the financial impact and other inefficiencies it promotes.

People cost is one of the biggest line items for most businesses and it keeps increasing. Passing on that cost to customers can take away your competitive advantages.

Being late is not in your DNA. It is not a characteristic trait. It is just a good habit and like all habits, it can be broken or preserved. It is a matter of personal choice and priority. Make the right one every time. If you are guilty, plan to be early - you will never be late.