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In today's workplace where employees are primarily assessed on their professional accomplishments, creativity, and training, showing up on time may seem to be a minor accomplishment. However, if you want to gain and maintain respect in the workplace, it's critical that punctuality not fall by the wayside.

Why is punctuality in the workplace so important? One main reason is that punctuality is essentially missing in many workplaces. Being on time will set you apart from the pack as you set the tone for others and gain respect along the way.

1. Punctuality is polite. When you show up on time, you send the message, "Your time is important to me. I want to be on time because I respect your time." By adopting this attitude, you will easily gain the respect of others.

2. Being on time indicates that you take deadlines seriously. In workplaces that lack a commitment to firm deadlines and follow-through, showing that you understand the value of a deadline will position you to receive important assignments, raises, and promotions.

3. Being on time shows your employer that you value what he or she is paying you. You want your supervisor/manager to know that you value your time at work and his or her time spent in meetings. Do your best to show up on time to every meeting with your boss, even informal project and lunch meetings. Punctuality is often perceived as loyalty, particularly if other employees are constantly late.

4. Punctuality shows you can be trusted with work from clients and other work groups. When you show up to internal meetings on time and complete work by the requested deadline, you will be increasingly trusted to manage work on behalf of others.

5. Punctuality will help you get more done. While waiting for others to show up to a meeting or event, you can accomplish other tasks and cross items off your to-do list.

6. Being on time provides an opportunity to prepare for meetings. With more time to review the agenda and prepare your presentation, you will appear much more polished than your colleagues who rush into meetings late.

7. Punctuality offers opportunities for networking. Some of the most important networking happens before and after meetings take place. Show up early, and you may have a chance to chat with the new board member or company leader in a non-threatening setting. Developing a network of alliances within an organization is a sure way to win respect.

In the workplace, punctuality is synonymous with effectiveness. Show up on time, and you will gain the respect of colleagues and clients alike.

Learn more about this author, Kristen M. Anderson.
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