What time should you arrive for a 10 o'clock business meeting?
- 9:50 - you're bright and early
- 9:55 - you're early; but not so early you look like you're wasting time
- 9:59 - you're there in the nick of time
- 10:00 - you're exactly on-time
- 10:05 - meetings don't get going for the first 5 minutes anyway
I learned the answer years ago as a first year business student at the University of Calgary. An HR manager from Trimac Trucking came in to speak to us about the real world of business, making a positive impression, and getting hired. He explained that if you show up for a meeting late, you're disrespectful to others. Showing up 10 minutes early indicates you haven't got enough to do. Arriving exactly on time or 1 minute early makes you look rushed and disorganized. Hence, the correct answer to convey courtesy and competence is b) 9:55. Here's to professionals who are 'on-time' :)
Today's Chuckle:
If you find a four-leaf clover, it means you have entirely too much time on your hands
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