Punctual and Prepared

Punctual and Prepared

I have chosen this topic because I am – shall we say – anal about being punctual and being prepared. Often I have joked with my family that it’s a family tradition, when we go to a wedding we arrive in time to help put the top on the cake. In other words, we show up ultra-early.

I always allow plenty of time to get to appointments. I am proud to say that IF I am late for an appointment or somewhere I have committed to be – and I am NOT there – check with the hospital – because THAT is where I probably will be.

One of my mentors – John C Maxwell, taught me that when people do not respect your time - they don’t respect you. Boy, is that ever true.

Recently, I was at a symposium held by Junior Achievement. One of the points that was stressed about a job interview is to arrive on time.

Being on time shows a lot about who you are as a person and how well organized you are. The high school juniors were told during the J A Symposium that 15 minutes early is the appropriate time to arrive for any appointment.

And, when you arrive at your appointment – whether it is at a coffee shop, an office, a luncheon or at a doctor’s office……be prepared. I always have a tablet and 2 pens ready – because I enter every room asking myself, “What can I learn from this experience?” I also have with me any important documents that are pertinent to the meeting.

Why a paper and pen? First, you cannot always rely on memory, there are too many things happening in a day to remember things. Secondly, if I do forget, I can just refer to my notes rather than stress and strain to recall what was said. This holds true for me whether I am meeting with a business client, at my doctor’s office, or even if I am doing Prison Ministry. Some of the greatest pieces of wisdom and scripture have been shared by a person who is doing time.

I enter every meeting with the mind of a student – even if I am the one leading the group.

Whether the meeting is scheduled to last 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 60 minutes or 90 minutes – I am prepared. I have my questions ready. I have the necessary references ready. And, I have (get this) a book to read – just in case I am a bit too early. 
Notice, I deliberately stopped at 90 minutes. No meeting should ever be more than 90 minutes! I learned years ago that the brain can only absorb as long as the butt can endure. Marathon meetings don’t work, they tend to be counter-productive and are extremely exhausting. Years ago, I sat on church council meetings that would go from 7PM to 11PM (or later). Several on council used to take the day after a church council meeting off from their job because they were too drained to function at full capacity.
Why do I carry along a book to read? Again, I must refer back to the teaching of John C. Maxwell. Always have a book to read. In those little pockets of time – 5 minutes here, 10 minutes there – a person can read a book or two a month. And, I can do it without taking any time away from my business, my family or our charity. 

And here is a bonus tip……….. If you have back to back appointments, schedule them at the same restaurant or coffee house. If person A arrives a little early – introduce them to person B. Then you know what you should do?

Leave them alone – excuse yourself and go to the washroom. Why? This allows person A to talk to person B about you. Believe me you cannot promote yourself to another person as well as a third party can. So, allow that to happen.

One final thought……………… If you are using a coffee shop, restaurant, or diner – be sure to leave a nice tip and thank the server (or manager) for allowing you to conduct business at their establishment.

Feel free to e-mail me your thoughts on this week’s topic.

Have a great week.

Ron