"African time". Have you ever heard those words? The two words mentioned above are used in some parts of Africa to describe a situation where some people show a relaxed attitude towards time. They are indifferent towards time and so arrive at or start events /appointments later than as scheduled.
When you have an appointment to meet, do you try your best to arrive early? Do you have the mentality that you will catch up later? Then you need to cultivate one good quality-- "Punctuality
While some people are known for punctuality to everything they do, some prefer to be associated with lateness.
For example, Jennifer, an applicant seeking a job in the company where I worked. She went through a series of tests (about four, actually) and interview. Finally, she was hired. But did you know that she was late to work on the first day she was to resume duty? That was how she lost her job. She was sent away and instructed never to come the next day. This she would have avoided if she was punctual.
Why is punctuality important?
Did you know that punctuality tells much about who you are? Let's see how.
- PUNCTUALITY SHOWS RESPECT FOR OTHERS
When you are punctual for your appointments or duties, it shows you have respect for other people's previous time. Imagine attending a seminar slated for 10 am and as at 12 noon, it hasn't started, just because all are waiting for you. The applicants and other interviewers alike have things to do with their time. Why waste their time? How about waiting for a client that will never show up? That does not reflect well on that client. It is wrong to steal people's time. Time is money.
- PUNCTUALITY SHOWS COMPETENCE
You may have chores, errands to run, traffic to beat or other things to do at times, whether you have an appointment to meet up with or not. In spite of all these you need to do, arriving early to your appointment indicates that you are competent and have everything under control instead of begging off or allowing those circumstances to be your excuse for arriving late.
- PUNCTUALITY SHOWS RELIABILITY
If your employer knows that you are punctual with your job, you become the most reliable person to help him meet deadlines. Who knows, that can earn you more salary, recommendation or promotion. Even friends will trust that you keep your promises when you make one.
HOW TO BECOME PUNCTUAL
Note the date of your appointment down in your calendar, organizer, to do list, phone, etc
Set an alarm to remind you a few days and hours before the real time.
Prepare well in advance. Iron your clothes, get your materials needed ready beforehand
Begin early. Unforeseen occurrences may set in
Be modest. Check if your appointment time is convenient for you before accepting the time. No two appointments should clash.
Anticipate delays or obstacles e.g traffic and factor them into the preparation
Have enough rest, tiredness can cause delay of deadlines
Be disciplined. Endeavour to make it on time.
Thanks for reading.
Written by @brigeet for @altruistic
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