We can agree that your personal integrity is an essential requirement for being an effective leader. There are some powerful definitions for Integrity:
Being known as a person who always keeps your stated promises will serve help you to gain and support a reputation as a go-to person. The operative word here is “stated”. Many people slip up when they fail to honor their implied promises. One of our most common implied promises is showing up on time.
Reputation Erosion I believe that showing up late for a meeting conveys disrespect for the people you have promised to meet with. When you show up late, you’re silently stating to your meeting partners that other activities took priority over them. What does this do to the status of your integrity? …to your ability to build trust and rapport? ….to your reputation as a reliable, go-to person?
There are excuses for tardiness. But as a leader, do you really want to use the word “good” as an adjective for excuse?
If I’ve helped you gain a greater appreciation for punctuality, let me now defer to Hall of Fame Football Coach Vince Lombardi. Coach Lombardi was known for instilling discipline that supported precise execution. His punctuality philosophy became know as “Lombardi Time”.
“According to former players, Vince Lombardi had a special version of time – one that ran 15 minutes earlier than any normal clock. If the meeting began at 9:00 a.m., one needed to be present and ready to get started at 8:45, no questions asked.”
Before learning of Lombardi Time, I learned an affirmation that applied the same concept: “If I’m not 10 minutes early, I’m late.”
Occasionally there are higher priorities than showing up on time for the next meeting. Or there can be unforeseen weather and traffic related challenges. When these occur, I recommend a preemptive approach. Avoid rubbing salt into the wound. Make the first phone call. Never leave your meeting partners sitting around looking at their watches.
For those of you who plan to meet with me in the future, my promise is now documented. It’s the least I can do. What can we expect from you?
Tom Lemanski helps accomplished leaders unlock potential, solve complex challenges, and amplify their impact.
Effective leadership is the key to driving meaningful, lasting success in a fast-changing world.
Tom’s focus on innovative strategies and self-awareness creates transformative results for leaders striving for the next level.
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