CULTURE | WORK

If You’re Late, It Speaks Volumes Of Your Personality

Time management skills tell me more about you than that smile you plaster on your face

N. Hawthorne said that “time flies over us, but leaves its shadow behind.” It can’t be more true. And ironically, I see a different meaning here as well. If you’re late, we might laugh it off, but it still leaves a shadow. Or a big massive stain. On your reputation. Congrats, you successfully ruined how I perceive you. In business — and in life — perception can make us… or break us.

I recently stumbled upon a brilliant article by Matthew Clapham. He shares experiences interviewing managers from a global talent pool and it’s shocking how time management skills vary. Country to country, culture to culture. Or perhaps it’s a matter of privilege?.. Great article, food for thought, I highly recommend reading it:

I’m never late. I grew up in an environment where it’s not culturally acceptable. No, let me correct that — acceptable is not the right term. It’s not tolerated. If an appointment is arranged for 10 AM, you will be waiting by the door at 9:45 AM — because 10 AM is already too late. Showing up after 10 AM? Well, that’s just flat obnoxious.

How do people from Scandinavian, Eastern European, and some Central European areas see time?

• It’s equal to everyone.
• Being late means being disrespectful.
• Emergencies at work/home can happen, but you have a phone to contact the person who’s waiting, don’t you?..

Living in the UK and the States I can confirm that it’s the same. Might depend on the region or professional background, but overall, good time management skills are seen as basic. And a form of respect. Want to leave a good impression or do well at a job interview? Showing up on time might do wonders!..

If you’re one of those who are always late, have you thought what statement you’re making to the other person?..

• Your time is more valuable than theirs.
• You’re not on equal terms.
• Perhaps you’re just poor at time management (which speaks volumes of your organisational skills if we’re talking about a professional environment).

I agree that sometimes life just happens. But it’s common sense to call the person waiting and advice on your issue. It’s up to them if they’re willing to wait for you. But perhaps they have other arrangements and your appointment needs to be rescheduled.

I have to say, one thing is the professional arena — it seems people have more common sense (or at least basic courtesy?..). But somehow being late to a luncheon with a group of friends seems more than acceptable. Not even sorry after showing up late! How is that OK?

I have an Italian friend who on average shows two hours late. Another comes from France and she never manages to stick to times or schedules. That one is a project manager, her bosses might be having a lovely time!..

However, as much as these examples give me goosebumps, they also illustrate how differently people perceive time. What’s late for one culture, is right on time for the other. Furthermore, some Middle Eastern cultures see being slightly late as a form of respect (in a social gathering, not a work context).

In this day and age, it’s difficult to draw a clear line. But I think it’s important to talk about cultural differences — most of us work with colleagues, clients and business partners from different parts of the world. It’s important to understand cultural relativism and I am sure if we’re more conscious about the perception of time, we can adjust our behaviours to accommodate accordingly.

It’s healthy to ask ourselves:

• who are we meeting and where do they come from?
• how does this culture/region perceive time?
• what is acceptable and how do they treat colleagues, business partners and friends?
• what are my goals for meeting this person?

Taking these into consideration will make our life easier — we will be culturally appropriate, professional and…respectful.

Being in a warm friendly relationship allows us to bend these rules and meet somewhere in the middle. However, it takes consideration, time and a bit of practice. But when interacting with other professionals from different countries, we should be more attentive.

• Am I the one who is gaining something from this meeting?
• Did I apply for a job/grant/learning opportunity?
• Is the other person a well-established professional above my own status?
• Who’s getting the most out of this meeting?

If the answer is you, then you’d better step up your game. It’s not undermining your own culture or bending the knee, it’s just being flexible and showing respect to the other party. That’s the least you can do if you want something out of this meeting.

What are the social norms for time management and meetings/social gatherings in your country or culture? I would love to hear your experiences and views in the comments!

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