Punctuality — A Must in Business Etiquette

They say that “5 Minutes Early Is On Time; On Time Is Late; Late Is Unacceptable”

Punctuality is a simple way to show courtesy and respect for others: your customers, your clients and your colleagues. When you show up late for appointments, meetings or meals, you send a clear message to others that your time is more important than theirs.

When lateness does occur, its effects spread throughout the workplace. Though its importance may seem obvious, the impact of punctuality actually has quite a few subtle layers — it affects the individual just as much as it affects the workplace as a whole.

What It Communicates

Punctuality communicates a plethora of positives to your employer and your peers. It shows that you’re dedicated to the job, interested in the work and capable of handling responsibility. When you arrive on time for work or work-related activities, it shows that you are capable of honoring your word. Being punctual helps employees project a sense of professionalism and commitment.

What It Achieves

When employees are punctual, the workplace operates more smoothly as a whole. For instance, when everyone is on time for a meeting, the meeting is able to start in full stride. Punctuality may help you achieve advancement. Research conducted by Diana DeLonzor, author of “Never Be Late Again: 7 Cures for the Punctually Challenged”, shows that managers are less likely to promote late employees.

Workplace Effects

Lack of punctuality not only affects the “machine” of the workplace — it affects the people in it. It may lead to resentment, as coworkers who are on time compare themselves to late-comers. Being late throws you out of the loop, as you may miss important information. This causes a harmful division among employees. Leaders affect the entire workplace. When leaders are late, it sends an irresponsible message to employees, which may lower morale; when leaders are punctual, it exhibits a work ethic to aspire to.

Personal Effects

Lateness leads to stress, and stress leads to poor workplace performance. Being consistently late may cause you to start rationalizing your lateness. When this happens, you begin to blame outside circumstances and lose focus on potential solutions. Constant lateness can lock you into a pattern. When tardiness becomes the norm, your job might be in jeopardy. Your finances suffer as well — Diana DeLonzer reports that 10 minutes of tardiness over the course of one year will cost you the equivalent of one week’s paid vacation.

Being on time:

• Demonstrates that you are diligent and dependable.
• Indicates that you honor your commitments and you can be trusted.
• Shows that you have respect for other people and that you care as much about their time as your own.
• Sets a good example for your children and others who look up to you.
• Builds self-confidence and success.

One of the common attributes of all successful people is that they view their time as a precious resource. When you are late for appointments with people who value their time, you will have wasted one of their most valuable assets and there is a good chance they will view you as rude, irresponsible and disrespectful. Is this how you want to brand yourself?

Not only should you make every effort to be on time for business-related appointments, but you should also do your utmost to be on time for personal commitments. Valuing your friend’s time and earning their respect is an important part of your individual reputation.

Carey San Diego encourage you to take pride in being a person who is always on time and prepared for your appointments. Remember, there is no downside in showing up early, but there is significant downside to showing up late. Choosing Limo Service San Diego you will never be late again.

Time is a valuable commodity, and Carey San Diego can provide you with more of it by expertly tending to all your corporate ground transportation needs. Our transportation service in San Diego has long been helping corporate travelers of all industries and sizes save time, meet deadlines and arrive where they need be, when they need to be there.

Our limousine service offers a top-of-the-line fleet, impeccably maintained. The Carey San Diego staff understands the need for busy executives and professionals to meet deadlines and arrive at global destinations on time.

When you are on time you enhance your brand. When you are late, you devalue your brand. Being on time is a choice. Call now for Limo Service San Diego.

Originally published at Carey San Diego Blog.