We all seem to know that Prince George is very much a last-minute city when it comes to committing to attending planned events. I have learned to accept that. What I cannot accept is people being late for designated appointments.
In my world, being raised by an attorney in a major eastern seaboard metropolis, I was always taught that it was proper to arrive early for a meeting, be it business or social. My grandfather taught me that punctuality was a sign of dependability, as well as proof of one's character.
In speaking to several locals, who also hail from the east, they see nothing wrong with being late.
It must be a learned West Coast thing.
I know of one relatively smart business person that has probably never been on time in his life except when he must fly somewhere.
The airlines do not care if you are late. See ya!
Another individual had no problem holding up a good friend last week for a coffee date. He had plenty of time to be on time.
On top of it all, the person that he was meeting was someone whose company he really looks forward to. Not nice!
The third individual, who also happens to be highly educated, is very nonchalant about being late.
No big deal but it really is! I have seen him show up for an event an hour late. He matter-of-factually responds with the excuse that he has a million and one things going on in his mind. The excuses just do not fit the crime.
Are we really forgetting manners these days?
I leaned about the importance of being punctual having lived and worked in New York City.
Have you ever heard the old saying "A New York minute?"
Technically it is characterized as the amount of time between a Manhattan traffic light turning green and the guy behind you honking his horn.
Also known as an instant.
If you have a meeting in NYC at 1 p.m. do not think about showing up much later than 1:05 unless you have made a phone call and have been hit by a Mack truck.
Time is a very precious thing.
Many of you know that in addition to writing in this wonderful publication, I also host a talk show twice a week on CFIS FM. I always give my guests my cell number in case something happens, such as ending up in a ditch on their way.
Lo and behold, that did happen last month.
A guest was involved in a car crash en route and, while in the ambulance, had someone make a call to tell me that they could not make it. (The guest was shaken up and fortunately did recover quite well.)
That showed respect and class.
In today's age of the cell phone, which can not only remind you when and where you must meet someone, but also how long it will take you to get there, it would not take any effort to dial the cell phone of the person you are meeting, send a message or dial through to voice and warn them you are going to be late.
Really, what does it tell you when you have a meeting for a certain time and one person shows up fifteen minutes late? Personally, I'd be long gone.
We live in a world where each moment is precious. I know it's tough sometimes, but if one can at least get off the road, call and say that you are at the most five minutes away, you may still have a relationship or and a business deal that might survive.
Most of our life is about time and schedules. We live in a busy society based on time frames.
Being on time shows discipline as well as self-confidence.
It is not so much about being late, but about communication.
And God only knows, our communication technology will allow us latitudes which we never had while at the same time being courteous.
I understand the philosophy of marching to the beat of a different drummer but we also need to think about how we are imposing on someone else's time.
