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Why is your time so important?
What’s so important about time? In a world where time reinvents itself constantly, we consider it precious. Many of us become irritated, feel distracted or even lose our cool when people don’t respect our time. Do we return the favor by respecting theirs? Can we expect punctuality and presence from others if we are consistently late or detached? In that case, are we wasting our own time as well? Respecting time is more than punctuality. It’s being focused, arriving to meetings, work and appointments on time and being present. And, it’s a simple way to show respect for others.
We can do this by taking the lead. Setting up the pattern for punctuality and respect by holding ourselves accountable for our own behaviors, increases the likelihood that others will follow. We may then have an increased right to expect/demand it of others. Setting the example is setting up the importance. There are benefits to respecting time. Being early or on time allows us an opportunity to build connections with others. Are we outwardly showing respect for our time and others’ by being punctual, prepared and present? What are we missing out on when we are late or fail to be fully present for others? What message does that send?
Imagine... being punctual, prepared and present and expecting the same in return.
Activity:
Try This – Talk Tardy
- Have an open a discussion about tardiness and the effect is has on the group dynamic.
- What constitutes “tardiness”?
- What happens to the relationships involved when someone is late or not fully present?
- What affect does this have on the productivity and/or trust of the group?
- How do we hold ourselves accountable moving forward and respect our own time and the time of others?
- Ask the group to set some expectations of punctuality so that all can be on the same page in respecting each other.
Reflection:
- Are you normally a punctual person?
- Have you ever had to apologize for wasting someone’s time?
- How did that make you feel?
- How did that affect your relationship with that person?
- How does it make you feel when people are not respecting the time you have put into something?
- What do you do to address your feelings?
“Better three hours too soon, than one minute too late.”
– William Shakespeare