Probably, you think that punctuality involves on-time arrival to various places. However, the problem lies much deeper and represents your professional image. Being a middle manager of your late twenties or thirties, you have no margin of error. You have passed the entry level stage but are still struggling for the corner office. In your case, the fact of being late for everything is no longer amusing feature; it is a negative characteristic which is remembered by stakeholders.
Consider your daily routine as a set of priorities which you should adhere to. When coming to the boardroom at 9:01 on time for 9:00 appointment, you state that you lack discipline. Your lateness is a demonstration of inability to follow the team agenda. It is quite inappropriate for those who aspire to become the leader of such team. Furthermore, your frequent lateness may be considered as an act of disrespect.
Psychologically speaking, the issue is related to the people’s preference to rely on reliability and consistency in business environment. That is why if you promise someone to be somewhere and keep your promise, you start accumulating the so-called “bank of trust”. This bank is growing much faster than 401K. No one doubts your professional competence; after all, your punctuality proves it.
Being busy is absolutely another story compared to effectiveness. Everyone is busy in their daily routine. However, an executive coming to the meeting 2 minutes ahead with a cup of coffee seems more effective than an executive who enters the room with untucked shirt. The issue is that the composure helps one to manage other people. It is impossible to convince others that you are in control if you are panting.
Reputation is the only thing you carry from one position to another. Any skills can be learned, but your professional image can not be. By respecting the clock, you demonstrate that you are well-organized, disciplined and prepared to work. This is the professional image which you have to build. Do not let the bad habit to ruin your career.
Thanks for reading this post! – MyPlugin