Last week I registered for a one-day workshop for some upgrade in my technical skills. After registration process, I got a confirmation email.

I went through all the details of the program agenda. It was perfectly designed and was as per my expectations.

But what made me more impressed was the line at the end of the email. It was ‘If you’re on time, you’re late.’

OH ! I loved that. The trainer had started the training right at that moment by warning all the candidates. I really loved it.

I have seen people who never values someone else’s time whether it’s a normal meet with friends, a date, a conference meeting or a dinner party. They will always keep others waiting.

This mail was showing that the trainer himself is professional and strict with the timings.

Even in my office, when I schedule a training for my students, some of them would always arrive late. And I start the lecture keeping a buffer of time so that they should not miss much.

This mail made me realize that I should also value the time of those students who arrive early. I decided that I will also expect ‘punctuality’ from the students coming for my lecture. It would help me too, for being ready and prepared before time.

Workshop experience

I got really panic to reach before time. It happens right? Even if you have the habit of getting up early, and start your day at the right time; such restrictions make you confused about your own ability to get up on time.

And I tell you, I could not sleep properly out of the fear of being late. The message ‘If you’re on time, you’re late’ kept ringing in my head like the wind-chimes rings consistently with the flow of wind.

Anyways, I got up well before time and reached before time too. I was happy that I made it. See, the actual training was not yet started, but I felt very positive and confident about myself as if I had achieved the first step which was told.

I was impressed that the presentation was already there on screen & the coupons for the refreshments and lunch were provided at the gate only. There was no scene of volunteers running here and there to make any last-minute arrangements. There were no ‘mic test- 1-2-3’ , ‘hello hello 1-2-3’ scenes and to my surprise the mike-speaker arrangement was ready.

‘If you’re on time, you’re late’

So the whole atmosphere over there, created a different impact on our mind. The workshop started perfectly on the time provided in the mail. And the door was shut. Those who came after that, were sent back politely with full refund.

I really loved the way of the trainer. He precisely chose the candidates in his workshop who respect him and his time. If you don’t value your time, no one else will. This experience taught me a lot of things.

Are you so busy ?

Everyone likes to equate busyness with importance. Having a hectic schedule just signals that you can’t prioritize, or say “no,” to unwanted tasks.

It’s really challenging to follow the timelines. But we have to learn the art of turning challenges into opportunities.

Be respectful to others

Being on time is about respect. It signals that you value and appreciate the other person. If you don’t respect the meeting’s participants, why are you meeting with them? Right ?

My boss once discussed the same with all my teammates that being late is as similar as stealing. What he wanted to say is, you expect to be paid for not even being present.

He further said that sometimes a true emergency happens, but we should try to give a very detailed account of why you were late, apologize, make sure the other person knows that you take it very seriously.

I have learnt that I have to take the responsibility of my time and my life too. And decided that I value my time immensely and want to show respect for other’s time as well. It is the only possession that we have and will never get back once it’s gone.

Because, if you are early, you are on time. If you’re on time, you’re late. And being late is simply not acceptable. Isn’t it ?

Don’t waste yours or someone else’s time. Be there, where you said you’d be.

Conclusion:

There is nothing worse than walking into a meeting apologizing. So fight hard to reach ‘on time’. And you very well know what ‘on time’ means.

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