3 Smart Ways to Tackle Timeliness

By Rachel Wagner

Timeliness is part of good business etiquette. And it's part of being a consummate professional. It shows you value others and respect their time.

But, you probably know people who are always late. Late to work, late to meetings, late getting their part of the project done, or late responding to e-mails and phone messages.

I remember at a school where I taught, several teachers always came late for morning staff meetings. Always. They'd blow in from the parking lot, coats still on. Everyone noticed, and it didn't give a good impression.

Here are three smart ways you can tame tardiness and promote a "time value mindset" in your workplace:

1. Be timely for work and for meetings.

• Arriving to work on time may simply mean nothing more than setting your alarm clock a few minutes earlier. Do allow time for traffic or subway delays.
• For meetings, use the reminder feature on Outlook or set your cell phone’s alarm for ample time to arrive, whether the meeting is across the hall or across town.
• If you are leading the meeting, start on time, and avoid repeating information for latecomers. It penalizes those who came on time and rewards tardiness. And to be respectful of everyone’s busy schedules, try to end meetings on time, too.
• Being on time is impressive. But, being a few minutes early is even more impressive. Not only that, those extra minutes give you a chance to clear your mind and become focused and engaged.

2. Respond promptly to phone messages and e-mails.

• In today’s 24/7 communications environment, people expect quick responses. It’s proper etiquette to respond within a couple of hours if you can, or at least by the end of the day, but never longer than 24 hours. It’s just not courteous to leave people hanging.
• If an e-mail request requires more time to gather facts, at least send back a quick e-mail that you’re working on it, and indicate when you’ll get the information back to them.
• Use an automated out-of-office reply when you’re gone from your office, whether for part of the day or several days or longer. It’s a courteous way to let people know why your response will be delayed.

3. Deliver the goods sooner than promised.

• If you promised a proposal or other work product to a client by Friday morning, try to have it there by Thursday afternoon instead. You will stand out by respecting their time---and, exceeding their expectations.
• When you’re working on a team project, be sure to have your part ready in plenty of time or even early. That way you won’t be the log jam holding up others who may need your work to do theirs.

Timeliness is always admired. When you tame tardiness and choose instead to have a “time value mindset,” you distinguish yourself as a caring and courteous professional who plans well and shows respect for others and their time.

Rachel Wagner is a certified corporate etiquette and international protocol consultant and founder of the business etiquette firm, Rachel Wagner Etiquette and Protocol. She trains leadership teams on the topics of business and dining etiquette to polish their professional presence and the image of their company. Rachel is active with the American Society for Training and Development and the National Speaker’s Association. She is author of a popular e-zine, The Savvy Professional, and is frequently quoted in the media. She can be reached by phone at 918.970.4400 or by email at Rachel@EtiquetteTrainer.com. Website: www.EtiquetteTrainer.com.