Handling Chronic "Late-Comers"
It may seem trivial but people take their cues about what is and is
not appropriate in the workplace by looking at how leaders handle
situations and "violations" of either formal or informal rules and
expectations. For example, NOT addressing someone who is often late to
meetings is likely to cause other people to arrive late to meetings.
It's contagious.
That's not to mention the frustration and
wasted productivity that occurs when a latecomer has to be "clued in"
to what he or she has missed.
There are a number of ways a leader can address such an issue.
- Start all meetings at the time designated, regardless if one or two people are absent, or late.
- Model punctual behavior by making sure YOU are always on time.
- If there is a late arrival, do not stop the meeting to update the person, unless it's absolutely necessary. Continue as normal.
- It's
best to not have a protracted discussion of punctuality each time a
person is late. It's sufficient to address the issue in one or two
sentences. For example: "We've agreed that starting our meetings on
time is important. In future, please be on time so we can keep our
meetings short". Then continue with the agenda.
- With
chronic late-comers, it's best to handle the situation privately. Talk
to the person after the meeting, if that can be done quietly and
without embarrassing the person in front of the rest of the group. Or,
deal with it privately at some other time. Do not accuse, but start by
asking the person if there are particular reasons why he or she has
been arriving late. (There may be good reasons). Work with the person
to address the causes, if necessary, and point out that being late
inconveniences everyone. Get agreement and commitment from the person
to be on time. Offer assistance.
Once you've established a clear level of accountability with respect to being on time, and deal effectively with those are not accountable, your credibility as a leader will definitely increase. Use this philosophy with all of your expectations. Remember....It's always the little things that make a difference in establishing your credibility and effectiveness as a leader.
Source: Special thanks to
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Quotes to Inspire
"When I was coaching, the one thought that I would try to get across to
my players was that everything I do each day, everything I say, I must
first think what effect it will have on everyone concerned."
Frank Layden
American Basketball Coach
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