Think of how many situations where a situation became more problematic and troubling because you had to sit around and wait to have the opportunity to discuss it with someone in authority.
Think back to the last time you had some situation that caused you to call the telephone company or the utility company, and how the longer you waited on hold, the more upset and anxious you became, because now you were also angry about waiting and the delay.
Which patients feel more at ease, those that are taken on or nearly on time in a doctor's office, or those that had to wait to see the doctor for a significant time after the scheduled appointment.
Chesterfield said, "Promptness is the soul of business.
" As important as this issue is to business, great leaders must learn a lesson from this, which is that others appreciate you much more if they feel that you are considerate to them, and this all begins with being prompt and appearing and beginning when scheduled and announced.
1.
Take the scenario when a leader is supposed to give a speech or presentation to a group at a pre- planned time.
Invitees have taken time and effort to be there to listen, and a true leader understands that how he is perceived often influences how others listen.
When a leader starts on time, he indicates that he appreciates the attendees, and does not want to waste their time.
He gets right into what he wants to communicate and while humor and anecdotes are often helpful during a speech, a true leader must first set the tone and create the message that he has something he feels important to communicate, and at the very least, whets their appetite and gets their attention.
On the other hand, audiences often get edgy and anxious, as well as annoyed (even if they don 't say so) when a leader does not at least have the courtesy of beginning promptly.
2.
It is often difficult enough for even the best leader to communicate his message to a group.
However, if he at least takes advantage of attendees willingness to show up, and gives them information so that when they walk away they feel they spent their time in a worthwhile manner, the ability to get through is enhanced.
An average orator who start promptly and shows his respect for an audience will often get better results than even a great orator who loses the crowd because of his apparent discourtesy by not being on time.
3.
Leaders must show a willingness to listen, as well as an attitude of caring.
This often begins with creating a positive (or at least neutral) attitude by beginning on time, rather than beginning at a disadvantage.
4.
When a leader does not begin on time, in the future, more and more attendees will come late themselves because they feel there is a certain pervasive attitude that has been set.
Therefore, when someone in leadership is late, he often begins by putting his agenda at a handicap.
Leaders must be courteous and caring.
This often begins with something as basic as appearing on time!