How to Be on Time

Assume and prepare for the worst. This is Murphy’s Law applied to lateness. If it takes ten (10) minutes to get somewhere, allow more time than that. But if you think this will make you look over eager, you can always step into a nearby coffee shop and read or do some light work.

• Define your terms. If you mean “around 3:00,” make it clear that you mean “approximately 3:00,”  between 3:00 and 2:30,” etc., not exactly 3:00″
• If you are going to be late, call.
• If you have trouble gauging time, use a timing device that signals when you must go. And follow it religiously.
• Learn how to end a previous engagement in sufficient time. This involves setting priorities because you may wish to keep a less important party waiting while you finish up a more important one. Do not do this often.
• Avoid at all costs, meeting someone in front of someplace. If one of you is late, the other will be obliged to stand there waiting. It is difficult, if not impossible, to make use of that time.
• In advance, figure out how much time an appointment will take. Then allow 30% more. This applies even to getting out of the house in the morning.
• If you see that your schedule is too tight, change it in advance. Give yourself some room.
• Start leaving before it is time to leave. You need a few extra minutes to work your way out of the door.
• Learn your environment. How long does it take to get there? By bus? By car? Cab? Get the trick on making shortcuts.
• Do not make promises that you cannot keep. Be realistic. And if you see that you have over-committed yourself, let the parties involved in on the situation.
• Avoid repeat performance. If you are late for a meeting once, do not let it happen again with the same party. Such behavior tends to form patterns. The sooner you break it, the better.