5 ms·

Actually, maybe I'm really busy, and doing the best I can. I value your time, but I value mine more. And obviously you're not as in demand as other people are.

• Devilboy 16y ago
  Now THAT is rude!
  • drivebyacct2 16y ago
    Prioritization is necessary when demands > resources (time).
    • Devilboy 16y ago
      Yea but you don't tell people you're late because they're less important than yourself.
    • nradov 16y ago
      That's not a valid reason. If you can't show up on time then don't agree to the appointment in the first place.
      • stuaxo 16y ago
        I don't think when your making the appointment you know that you'll be late... otherwise you would schedule for another time - it's not a big conspiracy by the tardy after all. If I didn't make appointments when I knew there'd be a 20-30% chance of me turning up late I'd make no appointments at all.
    • tomjen3 16y ago
      Thats okay - so long as you do so before you agree to the meeting.
• usaar333 16y ago
  I used to believe this too. And then I realized that for 99% of cases, the 5 minutes gained is not worth the long-term reputation damage.
• btilly 16y ago
  Actually, maybe I'm really busy, and doing the best I can. No. No matter how busy you are, if you're good at planning you can routinely be on time. If you're bad at planning, then you'll have problems no matter how little you have to do. And if you make a point of surrounding yourself with people who are able to manage to be on time, then you'll all get more done. I value your time, but I value mine more. As my brother drilled into me a long time ago, "Yes, but..." is just a dishonest way to say "No". Your actions clearly say that you DON'T value other people's time. There is no need to bother pretending otherwise. And obviously you're not as in demand as other people are. No. It is called "planning". And not being rude and selfish. You might learn this "planning" thing. It could let you get more done without putting as much effort out. Sorry you can't appreciate that. Apparently you are aware that it is inconvenient when other people prove to have desires that are at odds with your selfishness. But you clearly don't let that bother you too much. My attitude is that people like you are productivity obstacles to route around and avoid. (For the record I am someone whose natural tendency is to be chronically late. But not when someone else is depending on me.)
  • sabat 16y ago
    I suggest you relax and stop worrying so much about time. Consider the 5-year rule: in 5 years, is it really going to be important that I was 10 minutes late because of traffic?
  • Tichy 16y ago
    Can you plan to be on time to the minute, though? With traffic? Or does being on time mean you have to be early, to account for the possibility of travel delays. Then suddenly it becomes expensive to always be on time.
    • btilly 16y ago
      I have seen people be chronically late to meetings when they just have to walk from one room to another within a building. That I have no patience for. With uncertain travel, you have a point. Still if you're a sales person who is supposed to pitch me, be on time or don't bother showing up. Sure, being on time is more expensive for you. But it is less expensive than a wasted trip, so don't make it a wasted trip. If the relationship is more even, then I understand travel delays but expect to see a reasonable attempt. If you're late half the time and early half the time, I'll be OK with it. If I have to consistently wait for you being late, that's going to be a problem.