Obsidian Launch | Never Be Late for a Meeting (And What to Do If You Are)

Never Be Late for a Meeting (And What to Do If You Are)

I like to start meetings on time and get things done. So here are a few tricks I use. As a result I am never (well, very, very rarely) late for a meeting, and not pissed if the other guy is running late.

Under Promise and Over Deliver – Set a start time that you know allows you to arrive at least 45 minutes early. Then actually depart for the meeting so that you arrive 45 minutes early. Make this a habit and you will be early every time. Even if traffic is not cooperating with you or the closest parking lot is full.
Cluster Meetings – I cluster all my meetings into one or two days of the week if I can. That way my day’s work focus is meetings, and I don’t get “tied up” with other distractions.
Meet at Your Office – It allows you to work right up until the meeting point.
Meet at a Hotel – That way when you arrive early (see #1 above), you’ll have internet access (if you choose a good hotel) and an area to work until your appointment arrives. I hate sitting in reception areas waiting for meetings, it is distracting and hard to work there.
Bring a Laptop – Since you’ll have approximately 45 minutes to work, pull out your laptop and start banging away. If your meeting starts late (because of the other guy,) the more work you can get done. If they arrive early, you can get rolling right away.
Confirm the Day Before – People forget or plans change. Nothing is worse then going to a meeting no show. Call the day prior to confirm you are still on.

In the few cases where I am running late this is what I do, and you should do the same:

Call Immediately - I call as soon as I recognize I am not going to make it on time. Sometimes this can be an hour or two before a meeting. Most people wait until the scheduled meeting time or even a few minutes after to call the other guy. This pisses people off, since they are now sitting waiting. Call as soon as you can, so they can adjust their schedule.
Apologize – Don’t blame the traffic or something else. Apologize for running late and give them the option to delay or reschedule.
Under Promise and Over Deliver (Again) – This is the greatest tip I can give, and I think everyone should do this. When you elect to delay… commit to a pessimistic arrival time. For example, if you are 10 minutes down the road, don’t say “I’ll be there in 10 minutes.” You’ll have to race to get there and pray the road gods are on your side. Instead, say you will be there within a ½ hour. If that is acceptable to who you are meeting with, your new time commitment allows you to arrive earlier than expected, even if traffic is bad.

Posted by Mike Michalowicz

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Showing comments 1 to 4 of 5 | Next | Last

pool cover
Posts: 5

Re: Never Be Late for a Meeting (And What to Do If You Are)
Reply #5 on : Wed October 14, 2009, 00:11:22

As the others have said the best solution is to simply not be late. You would be surprised to see how much employers put into your being punctual to the interview. You have to show they that you are accountable, and aren't going to be strolling into work late everyday if they were to hire you. I would recommend getting there at least 15 minutes earlier, so this may mean that you have to leave 45 minutes-1 hour earlier, but it is all worth it if you get the job. If you still find yourself running late, even trying to arrive early, I would suggest just being honest with your potential employer. They understand things happen, but make sure you have a good excuse, and if you have their phone number remember to phone ahead to inform them you are running late.

intex pools
Posts: 5

Re: Never Be Late for a Meeting (And What to Do If You Are)
Reply #4 on : Wed October 14, 2009, 00:06:49

It's always a good idea to leave at least half and hour longer than you imagine you'll need when travelling to an interview. Most people do this when they're travelling to an airport and in all honestly, a job interview, unless you're travelling to the airport on business, is probably far more important. I know the unexpected can happen and that even the best laid plans can be shot to pieces, in which case you did the right thing by being honest. As you say, one lie leads to another and before you know it, you're tangled in a web of lies with an employer before you've even got the job! Another good reason for leaving early is that once you've located the offices, you can find a cafe or similar and sit for a while with a coffee while you relax before the interview. Arriving in a stressed and hurried state is never the best way to start an interview, after all.

above ground pools
Posts: 5

Re: Never Be Late for a Meeting (And What to Do If You Are)
Reply #3 on : Tue October 13, 2009, 23:11:39

I am very pleased to see your work. Your efforts are worthwhile. If you wanna success in your life then don't rest on your laurels and continue working even harder. It's easy to achieve something but very difficult to maintain. Keep it up! I really appreciate your efforts & very much grateful to you for sharing.

Daniel Penner
Posts: 5

OOOOOOOOO
Reply #2 on : Fri July 17, 2009, 16:16:19

Oooooh, he's got you there Mike, haha just kidding.

It sounds simple but the methods you mentioned are very valuable for maintaining positive relationships with people.

As long as you're not in the habit of being constantly late, I find calling as soon as you recognize your going to be late can bring more credibility and respect to your character. I think this might be true because everyone assumes that you'll be late some of the time.

Have fun in the sun - the vitamin D is good for you!

Daniel Penner

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