Today the leadership trait to ponder is Punctuality. Punctuality is important to me since a leader’s time is almost always scarce. I have sat in many conference rooms with a number of other executives waiting for the leader or some other key member to arrive in order to begin a meeting. I estimated in one meeting that the cost of waiting amounted to be in the thousands of dollars.
I have taught my 6 year old son the phrase, “Early is on time and on time is late.” It’s a motto that we could all benefit from. The dictionary defines Punctuality as: the condition of keeping to arranged times for appointments, meetings, etc. The condition of arriving or taking place at an arranged time; promptness.
Below are some of my favorite quotes to help inspire and illustrate the importance of Punctuality. As you read these quotes, think about how you can exemplify this leadership trait in yourself.
Quotes on Punctuality
I think the only way to properly face doom is to be on time.” ~Jennifer Dubois
Punctuality is the soul of business.” ~Thomas Chandler Haliburton
Know the true value of time; snatch, seize, and enjoy every moment of it. No idleness, no delay, no procrastination; never put off till tomorrow what you can do today.” ~Lord Chesterfield
Punctuality is the politeness of kings.” ~Louis XVIII
Tardiness often robs us opportunity, and the dispatch of our forces.” ~Niccolo Machiavelli
Better three hours too soon than a minute too late.” ~William Shakespeare
Promptitude is not only a duty, but is also a part of good manners; it is favorable to fortune, reputation, influence, and usefulness; a little attention and energy will form the habit, so as to make it easy and delightful.” ~Charles Simmons
People count the faults of those who keep them waiting.” ~Proverb
What do you think about when you ponder Punctuality? Do you have any other favorite quotes on the topic? Please share your thoughts in the comments section.
About Todd Nielsen
“Better three hours too soon than a minute too late.” ~William Shakespeare. I have never seen been wrong for coming earlier than scheduled and just come a minute after the time and you might be loosing big time, better to be ten hours too soon than to be ten seconds too late.
Hello Todd,
Punctuality is a question of respect and politeness. No matter what position or what sort of appointment one has we should do everything to make it in time.
However, I believe that punctual is ok, while too early might look a bit desperate, especially when you meet a customer to discuss a sale or for an interview.
Have a great day.
Brigitte
P.S. I wanted to reply to your article about fun, too. But the respond section does not work there.
http://brigitte-kobi.com/blog
Yes I agree it is a matte of respect. Thanks for stopping by Bridgette, I fixed the comments on the fun post, for some reason it as disabled.
Thanks,
Todd Nielsen
Todd,
I was taught many years ago that there are four things we must do in order to be refered in business:
1. Be on time – it shows respect for the other person
2. Say please and thank you
3. Do what you say you are going to do
4. Always finish what you start
Thanks for the blog – it is on point!
Willy
Hi Todd,
Very interesting article. I believe very much in punctuality and I love the quotes you featured in your post.
The question I have for you and your other subscribers: Is it different in different cultures? I wonder if punctuality is valued in some cultures more than others?
Thoughts?
Kate