Timeliness has become such a rarity that arriving on time is the new gold standard.
We’re bombarded with people who don’t value their time or the time of others. So much so that just showing up for work, being physically present at the agreed upon time is a Gold Star worthy endeavor. Being on time is appreciated, but you’re supposed to come on time. It’s nothing to brag about. It’s expected.
With competition everywhere, and all the scalable, inexpensive and fast tools at our disposal to communicate, create, and affect our world, how long can hold ourselves to this low standard of physical presence?
What can we accomplish when we begin to expect more from ourselves and our peers than just “being on time?” What can we build when our expectation isn’t just to come, but to come:
Mentally present — having considered (on your own time) the issues at hand. As prepared to propose solutions as you are prepared to raise issues.
Emotionally invested — having thoughts about the direction of the project, knowing full well you might look stupid voicing them and putting them out there anyway.
Willing to take risks — not prepared to accept a scenario because “that’s the way it is.” Challenging assumptions (e.g., it costs too much, you can’t do that, it’s too hard.) Pushing each other into discomfort zones because that’s where great things happen.
If that’s how we showed up, how much more could we accomplish?
Versus the (general) current approach: everyone arrives 15 minute late. Gab and BS for another 15 minutes. Finally, a rallying cry is heard, “let’s get started!” before everyone scrambles to remember why you were meeting in the first place.
There’s more to showing up than showing up.
Photo Credit: veri_ivanova
