Punctuality is the stern virtue of men of business, and the graceful courtesy of princes.–Edward G. Bulwer-Lytton

DO YOU AGREE?

How do you feel about co-workers that are consistently late to meetings? Do you find yourself showing up (or calling in) after the meeting has begun?

We ask this because a newly formed team we were working with encountered this situation regularly, and the perceptions and impacts varied greatly.

(And some were very unhappy!)

PUNCTUAL (OR NOT)?

This was a group of 25 participants with shared goals; they also had individual goals as well as different clients and deliverables.  It should also be noted that the reason they were meeting with us was to become a more collaborative team, and stronger leaders.

Given the size of the group, was it fair to anticipate that there would be late arrivals and early departures?

We heard “grumblings” by some attendees and asked the entire team their perception about punctuality. We were fairly surprised that the split was almost even.  Half felt lateness was “part of business”, with the other half viewing it as a sign of dis-respect which impacted levels of trust. (And Lencioni has taught us that trust is the foundation for successful teams).

How do you feel when you’re punctual and others are not?  Please share your thoughts with is!

QWIKTIPS –

VALUING YOUR STAFF – click to read how

People count the faults of those who keep them waiting.~Proverb