When Nancy did not show up on time for the meeting, her associates started without her, even though Nancy was supposed to present. Nancy arrived fifteen minutes late and listened as someone else explained the plan that Nancy had been scheduled to present.
After the meeting, one of Nancy’s team members asked why she was so late. Nancy’s reason was more of a lame excuse, so the team member explained,
- Some of the busiest people here made time to be available at the time you agreed to. By coming late you made a statement that you don’t value their time. That’s not a message you want to send.
Later in the conversation Nancy asked a few questions explaining that she wanted to be sure not to disappoint again. Clearly the message was received.