We have all done it before, set up a meeting or a get together or something for a specific time and then we either 1) show up late or 2) completely blow it off and not show up at all. I have done it, both examples above, but it is definitely an exception and not the norm for me. I know others have done it, and lately it seems that for most people it is the norm and not the exception.

By doing this, it sends a couple of clear messages to the ones on the receiving end of your complete an utter misconception of time. For starters, it sends the message that you think your time is more valuable than theirs, and given the situation (perhaps a job interview or an important business meeting) this is not the kind of impression you want to make. The second message it sends is that you do not hold the person with which you are to meet with to the same regard as you hold yourself, for whatever reason, they get the impression that you think you are better than them. Regardless of your conscious or subconscious reason(s) for disregarding other people’s time, you should give it a second thought before you do and and let the shoe be on the other foot and see if you would like it if they did it to you. Chances are the answer is no, so I ask, why do you do it then?

Next time you find yourself in the situation where you are like, ah, it is not big deal if I am 15 minutes late, such and such won’t mind, it is not like they have anything better to do, do whatever you can to speed yourself up and get there on time, you never know what may come out of it.