The Importance of Punctuality in Leadership: A Personal Journey
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Chapter 1: My Late Arrivals
For much of my teenage years and early twenties, I developed a reputation for being consistently late. My friends became so accustomed to my tardiness that they would intentionally adjust the time they communicated for our meet-ups, anticipating my usual delay by 15 minutes. I had become predictably unreliable.
Like many chronic latecomers, I always had an excuse ready—traffic jams, unexpected obligations, or other interruptions. However, the true source of my delays was simply me. Eventually, I recognized that my habitual lateness was not a charming quirk, but rather a serious flaw that needed addressing. The military would soon teach me this lesson in a most challenging way.
Section 1.1: The Student Life
My journey took a turn when I enrolled at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst for officer training at the age of 21, just after finishing my undergraduate degree in History. The contrast between my previous academic life and military training was stark and eye-opening.
As a History student, I attended only three hours of mandatory seminars and six hours of lectures each week, leaving me with a leisurely schedule. I could afford to indulge in procrastination, exploring local bars, keeping fit, and enjoying day-time television. Stress was nonexistent, and I relished the freedom to come and go as I pleased.
However, this laid-back lifestyle was abruptly disrupted by the rigorous demands of Sandhurst.
Section 1.2: The Awakening Routine
“Reveille at 0500 hours. See you bright and early, Gentlemen!” This was the stern announcement delivered by the imposing Sergeant-Major on our first night of training. It was far from bright on that damp August morning in Southern England, yet the call echoed through the corridors, rousing me from a surprisingly brief sleep.
We were instructed to stand in our doorways holding our issued one-liter water bottles, then immediately to assume the ‘prone position’ for 50 push-ups. All of this before I had even fully woken up! The morning routine was a shock to my system, and I quickly realized I had a long day ahead without any time to prepare.
Before I knew it, I was late for parade, having failed to organize myself properly. I had an excuse, as always, but this time it didn’t hold weight. I was forced to confront my habitual tardiness head-on.
Chapter 2: The Lessons of Military Discipline
Over the course of my year-long training, I learned the importance of promptness and self-organization. I had to develop systems to counteract my natural inclination to be late. The consequences of being unprepared were severe, and I could even face expulsion if I didn’t improve.
The expectation was clear: punctuality was not merely a personal preference; it was a fundamental aspect of being a military leader.
Why some people are always late - BBC REEL explores the psychology behind tardiness and how it affects personal and professional relationships.
Section 2.1: The Impact of Being Late
A leader who frequently arrives late demonstrates a lack of organization and self-discipline. They fail to respect their team, colleagues, or superiors by making them wait. Each late arrival erodes trust and breeds doubt about their reliability.
A true leader fosters trust, mutual respect, and professionalism; these qualities cannot be upheld if they cannot show up on time.
Why Being Late is UNACCEPTABLE - Jocko Willink and Echo Charles discusses the ramifications of tardiness in leadership roles and offers strategies for improvement.
Section 2.2: A New Strategy
Transitioning from an easygoing student to a commissioned officer was challenging. I learned the critical lesson of respecting others' time. My soldiers deserved my commitment to punctuality, professionalism, and presence.
To combat my tendency to be late, I adopted the strategy of planning everything for five minutes earlier than needed. This simple adjustment transformed my approach to time management.
While unexpected delays can happen, I realized that with a bit of foresight and planning, I could significantly reduce my chances of being late. I was on the verge of losing my opportunity to serve as an Officer due to my tardiness, but the rigorous Army training equipped me with the tools for a successful career.
Conclusion: The Essence of Leadership
Being late inconveniences others and reflects a deficiency in essential qualities such as integrity, discipline, and respect. A good leader must strive to be punctual or, at the very least, avoid making lateness a habit.
This reflection is part of my ongoing writing challenge, exploring leadership principles. For further insights, check the linked article below on small actions that significantly impact leadership and personal success.
Polish your shoes, and other little things a successful Leader should do - Discover the small yet impactful actions that can enhance your leadership skills and overall effectiveness.
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