Time is the one thing that you give and that you can not get back. Time is the one thing that everyone has in common, however, it’s used is entirely differently. Twenty four hours. Every damn day. 1440 minutes. That’s it. Then it’s gone…what you don’t use isn’t carried over, you can’t book it ahead…it’s just gone.
I don’t take commitments lightly. If we have an appointment, I’d like it to start at the scheduled time. When we have meetings at work, I start them promptly. “We are waiting on this person to show…”, they can get the notes of what was missed. After all, if everyone else that showed up for the meeting is present, why am I making them wait for one or two?
Why are some people chronically late? How are they not bothered by it?
Doctors, spa and other appointments, same rules apply. Why make an appointment, confirm said appointment and then I’m in the waiting room for an extended period of time? I do not get that and it’s something that seriously bothers me. Of course, I understand that things happen, but we both know that certain places you are always waiting…Jerry Seinfeld had a whole bit about reservations and making them versus honoring them. It’s so true.
In one of the businesses I frequent, they have a nine minute late policy. If you are late by nine minutes, it’s an automatic rescheduling of your appointment. They stick to it, too. So imagine their shock as I sat in their waiting area and as my valuable time ticked by, I’d spoken up. “I see it’s nine minutes into my appointment time, so now what?” The situation was reversed and now I’m holding them to the same standard. I was met with, “She will be right with you.” I continued to press. I just stated, “So what’s the recourse? I’m abiding by your own nine minute rule and here and now at eleven minutes of waiting, what’s the solution?” They laughed uncomfortably and I am sure they don’t deal with it often, but with a gentle approach, I wanted my point to get across. Why is it ok for the client to be rescheduled when it’s their fault but at the fault of the business, it’s just disregarded?
What’s being communicated at the time of the tardiness is ‘my time is more valuable than yours.’ As we have established, those precious minutes of waiting are gone forever.
I’m not perfect by a long shot. I have run late. I’ve decided to stop somewhere when I’d not allowed enough time to get the stop completed and to my destination early. I’ve waited until the morning to get gas (you know you’ve done that) and maybe I’ve hit snooze. But it’s rare. I’m very cognizant of other peoples time and what they are giving up for me. It’s appreciated.
Next time you have plans to meet up with friends, be there five minutes before you are supposed to meet. I’m sure someone will already be waiting to greet you. The next work meeting, don’t be the last one to get there, rushing in with an excuse that no one listens to.
Have integrity. It won’t go by unnoticed.
After all, no one cares how good your excuses are.
Gym Girl Dana 