3.  Punctuality.  In business, you are dealing with people who prize methodology.  This is so much so that the latest system, gadget, or management trend can easily capture their attention.

Punctuality is an easily determined metric for those in the business field. 

For a human resources manager, it is often one of the only objective indicators of an employee’s performance.  Since it is one of the only things an employee has complete control over, it is the indicator you can ensure works in your favor.

If you are in business, and not an employee, punctuality is still crucial.  It allows you a moment to survey your surroundings, get a feel for who you are meeting with, and strongly establish your presence.  (As opposed to running in the door late, disheveled, and spewing out an explanation for your tardiness involving a schnauzer and a freak tornado.)

Don’t show up too early though because it lowers your perceived value.

Moreover, punctuality:

• demonstrates your time management skills;
• indicates that once you commit to something, you follow through and you thereby begin establishing trust subconsciously;
• demonstrates professionalism; and
• indicates that you place a high priority on that person or project.

Being ‘fashionably late’ is no longer in fashion.  According to Pauline Wallin, “chronic lateness is related to procrastination. Latecomers and procrastinators have trouble NOT with time, but with self-discipline.”

If you develop self-discipline in one area of your life, like punctuality, it more easily transfers into additional areas of your life. 

Developing discipline is a method used in team sports and, often and not surprisingly, people who have participated in team sports do well in business for that reason.

Instead of viewing punctuality as a burden, think of it as a tool for your professional and personal development.

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If you liked this article check out Rules for Success: #1 or Rules for Success: #2.