How being late can tarnish your reputation

Living in South Florida many folks are on what is commonly referred to as “Cuban time.” The Urban Dictionary defines it as “The time frame that most people in Miami use for arriving for parties or events. I.E. an hour or more late.”
 
Although in some circles being “fashionably” late has become an accepted part of life, I don’t subscribe to that practice.
 
My parents always taught me to arrive on time – or even a few minutes early. I am not saying that you should be so early as to arrive before your host is out of the shower. But build in some time for traffic and unexpected delays and, if you need to, sit in the parking lot for a few minutes before going in. Use the time to catch up on emails and phone calls if you have to.
 
Why should you not be late? I just read an article in Inc. that provides nine good reasons that you should never be late again. Click here if you want to read it.
 
Here is a quick summary:
 

• It’s impolite
• You won’t be at your best
• You’re wasting other people’s time
• You will worsen your company’s culture
• Being late can become a vicious cycle
• Modern technology means there’s no excuse to be late
• Mobile technology means you won’t waste your time if you’re early
• A commitment to being on time forces you to schedule appropriately
• You’ll have a happier and more efficient workplace

 
Let me add a few of my own reasons why you should not be late.

• It’s disrespectful – by making others wait you are saying you are more important than they are.
• It can tarnish your reputation, especially if you are a repeat offender.
• You may be seen as someone who can’t handle a task because of your lack of planning.
• If you are late to a meeting, there’s a chance you might miss something important.
• You are so far behind that you end up speeding and get pulled over by a police officer – and now you’re even later.

 
I am not saying there are no reasons that someone should not be late. Sometimes unforeseen circumstances pop up. But if you build in some time for traffic and don’t run up against the clock, there’s a pretty good chance you’ll be on time and the people you are meeting will appreciate it.

Susan R. Miller is founder of Garton-Miller Media, a full-service, South Florida based public relations firm. Susan is a former journalist with more than 30 years of experience.

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