Obsidian Launch | Never Be Late for a Meeting (And What to Do If You Are)

Never Be Late for a Meeting (And What to Do If You Are)

I like to start meetings on time and get things done. So here are a few tricks I use. As a result I am never (well, very, very rarely) late for a meeting, and not pissed if the other guy is running late.

Under Promise and Over Deliver – Set a start time that you know allows you to arrive at least 45 minutes early. Then actually depart for the meeting so that you arrive 45 minutes early. Make this a habit and you will be early every time. Even if traffic is not cooperating with you or the closest parking lot is full.
Cluster Meetings – I cluster all my meetings into one or two days of the week if I can. That way my day’s work focus is meetings, and I don’t get “tied up” with other distractions.
Meet at Your Office – It allows you to work right up until the meeting point.
Meet at a Hotel – That way when you arrive early (see #1 above), you’ll have internet access (if you choose a good hotel) and an area to work until your appointment arrives. I hate sitting in reception areas waiting for meetings, it is distracting and hard to work there.
Bring a Laptop – Since you’ll have approximately 45 minutes to work, pull out your laptop and start banging away. If your meeting starts late (because of the other guy,) the more work you can get done. If they arrive early, you can get rolling right away.
Confirm the Day Before – People forget or plans change. Nothing is worse then going to a meeting no show. Call the day prior to confirm you are still on.

In the few cases where I am running late this is what I do, and you should do the same:

Call Immediately - I call as soon as I recognize I am not going to make it on time. Sometimes this can be an hour or two before a meeting. Most people wait until the scheduled meeting time or even a few minutes after to call the other guy. This pisses people off, since they are now sitting waiting. Call as soon as you can, so they can adjust their schedule.
Apologize – Don’t blame the traffic or something else. Apologize for running late and give them the option to delay or reschedule.
Under Promise and Over Deliver (Again) – This is the greatest tip I can give, and I think everyone should do this. When you elect to delay… commit to a pessimistic arrival time. For example, if you are 10 minutes down the road, don’t say “I’ll be there in 10 minutes.” You’ll have to race to get there and pray the road gods are on your side. Instead, say you will be there within a ½ hour. If that is acceptable to who you are meeting with, your new time commitment allows you to arrive earlier than expected, even if traffic is bad.

Posted by Mike Michalowicz

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