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I don't argue that punctuality is unimportant, but I think it's lauded as a virtue far more often then it deserves. It's only a virtue if being late has a nega
by Dylanlacey 16y ago
I don't argue that punctuality is unimportant, but I think it's lauded as a virtue far more often then it deserves. It's only a virtue if being late has a negative impact beyond "The department looks empty and the boss' boss judges".
Being late to a scheduled meeting is unprofessional. Turning up at 9 instead of 8 because there's really no impact if you do so? Not unprofessional. Expecting someone to turn up at 8 because "I said so"? TOTALLY unprofessional, and a jerky thing to do.
- jorangreef 16y agoThe point is not that punctuality is a virtue, but that a professional is capable of adhering to certain agreed disciplines, regardless of how important, or virtuous they may or may not be. A professional does not make the mistake of judging these activities for their intrinsic value, but sees them as an opportunity to develop discipline, which is useful and valuable for more important activities. For examples see: the military, professional orchestras, rowing eights, ivy league traditions, and even children keeping piggy banks.
- Dylanlacey 16y agoWhile I agree that a professional is capable of adhering to certain agreed disciplines, I also think that discipline is a sparing resource and spending it on showing up at a set time for no other reason then being "professional" is a waste of that resource.