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Why punctuality gains respect in the workplace.

Some people never arrive on time. No matter what time they are supposed to arrive, they traditionally leave home at that time. This doesn't work in the workplace, but people who are chronically tardy seldom see the importance of punctuality. Instead, they seem to think that since lack of punctuality is accepted in their social life, those in the workplace should overlook it as well. If they only knew how important punctuality is in the workplace and how mere adherence to punctuality would gain them respect.

Here are some of the reasons punctuality gains respect in the workplace:

1. Punctuality shows that you take the job seriously. You may think that a lack of punctuality shows that you are creative and a free spirit. That's not the case. Punctuality or the lack of punctuality has nothing to do with how creative you are. Instead, punctuality shows that you understand that the job you do is important and that you take it seriously. Next time you are running late, consider what you are telling your boss by your tardiness.

2. Punctuality shows respect for others and the jobs that they are doing. When you arrive late to a meeting, it says that the meeting isn't important to you. What does that tell you boss? Tardiness to a meeting makes everyone else wait. Having others wait for you may make you feel important, but it tells the others in that meeting that they are not important to you. If your tardiness causes everyone to wait for your arrival, it inconveniences them. If the meeting starts without you, your arrival late causes a disruption to the meeting. In either case, it does not show respect for your co-workers, and sends a bad message to your supervisor.

3. Punctuality is not always connected with arriving to work or with arriving to meetings on time. In the workplace, punctuality with meeting your deadlines is also of equal importance and will gain you respect in the workplace. If you are completing a portion of a project, your punctuality of handing in your portion is important to all involved. You cause others to have to rearrange their workloads if you do not meet the deadlines set for you. When working collaboratively with others, it is essential to meet deadlines. If you are chronically late with your work, your supervisor will come to know that he/she can not count on you. It may lead to poor evaluations and to being skipped over for the plum assignments.

If punctuality is a problem, look at it seriously and implement measures to correct it. You'll be surprised how it will alter the respect you receive in the workplace.

Learn more about this author, Lou Belcher.
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