Construction Chat is a weekly chat on Thursday mornings at 9:00 a.m. Pacific Time. If you’re free, we’d love you to join us.
This week’s chat topic was punctuality.
It was inspired by this video:
[youtube=https://youtu.be/P-NIV6wS0ac]
Lots of answers. Lots of scrolling.
Q1: What do you consider on-time?
A1: 15 mins early…thats on time! #ConstChat
— Coleen Dolan (@CertifiedLeads) March 12, 2015
A1. Ha! 5 min early. #constchat
— Darren Slaughter (@DarrenSlaughtr) March 12, 2015
A1 Think the Army nailed it – if you’re on time your late, 5 minutes early means you’re on time #ConstChat
— Sean Lintow Sr. (@The_HTRC) March 12, 2015
A1. Being on time depends on the circumstances. Being early is nice, but not if it puts pressure on the person you're meeting. #ConstChat
— Megan Smale (@megan_smale) March 12, 2015
A1. Obvi showing up at the time assigned is good but arriving early is better #ConstChat
— CompanyCam (@CompanyCam) March 12, 2015
A1 5-10 minutes. It depends on the situation #constchat
— BlueSteele Solutions (@BlueSteeleTX) March 12, 2015
I was taught that if you're on time, you're late. #ConstChat
— Window Works CA (@WindowWorksCA) March 12, 2015
A1: At or before the designated start or finish time. RT @RigginsConst: Q1: What do you consider on-time? #constchat
— Simeral Construction (@SimeralBuilds) March 12, 2015
A1: For an established relationship… anything within 5 minutes on their end. I perfer to be spot on myself. #constchat
— CanIgetNAmen (@CanIgetNAmen) March 12, 2015
.@RigginsConst All about being accessible and friendly.. Now if I dont know you… Please be ON time #constchat
— CanIgetNAmen (@CanIgetNAmen) March 12, 2015
@RigginsConst A1. On time – depending on whether this is a project or meeting, it means meeting the time requirements set. #constchat
— Zircon Corporation (@ZirconTools) March 12, 2015
A1. Arriving early anymore is critical, there will always be obstacles on the way #ConstChat
— CompanyCam (@CompanyCam) March 12, 2015
I'm a little late to the party! A1. 15 mins early! #Constchat
— The Highmark Group (@highmarkgroup) March 12, 2015
10 mins early is on-time. On-time is 10 minutes late 😉 #constchat
— URETEK Holdings, Inc (@URETEKHoldings) March 12, 2015
A1: I'm always early! 5-10 minutes early is on-time to me! #constchat
— Milan Jara (@Milan_Jara) March 12, 2015
A1 Being too early can definitely be awkward, especially if the other person banked on getting something done in that time #constchat
— BlueSteele Solutions (@BlueSteeleTX) March 12, 2015
A1 Five minutes early is on time. #constchat
— Scott Burkholder (@sburkholder_cm) March 12, 2015
A1: when I make a phone apointment for a lead call…I'm always right on time! no sooner and def. not later #constchat
— Coleen Dolan (@CertifiedLeads) March 12, 2015
A1. In my experience treating late peeps with kindness and respect sometimes helps them realign thier perspective 4 bein on time #ConstChat
— CompanyCam (@CompanyCam) March 12, 2015
Q2: How do you prevent being late?
A2: Calandar Reminders all the way #constchat
— CanIgetNAmen (@CanIgetNAmen) March 12, 2015
A2. Before GPS, when we were just local. I'd pre-drive my routes. Now…plan well. Drive fast & most of my appointments are Skype #constchat
— Darren Slaughter (@DarrenSlaughtr) March 12, 2015
A2. Reminders on phone, email, etc. Mine are set up to go off at 30 min prior to leaving and again at 10 til #constchat
— The Highmark Group (@highmarkgroup) March 12, 2015
A2: always prepare for the unexpected. Leave 30mins early if it take 15 to reach destination. #roadwork etc. #constchat
— URETEK Holdings, Inc (@URETEKHoldings) March 12, 2015
Discipline yourself to plan ahead. RT @RigginsConst: Q2: How do you prevent being late? #constchat
— Simeral Construction (@SimeralBuilds) March 12, 2015
A2 calendars, alarms, more calendars, more alarms—it's hard to be late with all the tools available today. #constchat
— BlueSteele Solutions (@BlueSteeleTX) March 12, 2015
A2 Try not to overbook & leave early enough to be 15 minutes early (plus check traffic on online maps / phone) #ConstChat
— Sean Lintow Sr. (@The_HTRC) March 12, 2015
A2: I generally get lost in a round room…so I prefer skype..but if driving leave way early ! then find a coffee shop! #constchat
— Coleen Dolan (@CertifiedLeads) March 12, 2015
@RigginsConst Don't get me started on people who are ALWAYS late. #ConstChat
— Amy Donohue (@TheFabSocial) March 12, 2015
A2. Confirm deadlines & meetings in writing. I even tend to reconfirm things back to people just to be clear. Always give leeway #ConstChat
— Megan Smale (@megan_smale) March 12, 2015
.@RigginsConst depends on where I need to be. I set them to go off giving me enough time to get where i need to be. #constchat
— CanIgetNAmen (@CanIgetNAmen) March 12, 2015
A2 that's why it's such a slight if you're late—we know it's not hard to remind yourself to be on time #constchat
— BlueSteele Solutions (@BlueSteeleTX) March 12, 2015
A2: - Calendar Alarms - Constantly looking ahead at my week/day/meetings to plan accordingly - Allow time for travel/oops/etc. #constchat
— Bill Sutton LEED AP (@LEED_Resource) March 12, 2015
A2a. I'm obsessive about checking driving times too. I've been known to scope out a place if I don't know where it is. #ConstChat #nerd
— Megan Smale (@megan_smale) March 12, 2015
A2. Two alarm clocks, if waking up early. My bro puts one clock inside an an aluminum pie plate. #ConstChat
— Window Works CA (@WindowWorksCA) March 12, 2015
If it's a GoTo of Skype chat, gather materials and prepare comp. about 15 min early to avoid tech difficulties. #constchat
— URETEK Holdings, Inc (@URETEKHoldings) March 12, 2015
A2. Always add 15 minutes to Google Maps/GPS. And check the traffic. #ConstChat
— Window Works CA (@WindowWorksCA) March 12, 2015
A2. In terms of planning for hiccups I think a lot of that is knowing your city, knowing routes, knowing busy hours etc #ConstChat
— CompanyCam (@CompanyCam) March 12, 2015
Q3: How do you deal with a persistently tardy person?
Buy them a watch? RT @RigginsConst: Q3: How do you deal with a persistently tardy person? #constchat
— Simeral Construction (@SimeralBuilds) March 12, 2015
A3: Don't give in! Train them…they will learn! #constchat
— Coleen Dolan (@CertifiedLeads) March 12, 2015
A3: You make that the butt of a joke… People are smart… they catch on fast #constchat
— CanIgetNAmen (@CanIgetNAmen) March 12, 2015
We love our #apple products. Appointments are synced to our devices and reminders are set 30 minutes prior. #iCal #ios8 #SMB #constchat
— RBC, Inc. (@RBCPaintingCo) March 12, 2015
A3. Someone who is continually tardy is generally someone not worth working for or with #ConstChat
— CompanyCam (@CompanyCam) March 12, 2015
A3 It depends, occasional due to weid factors is understandable – others work on better time mgmt. skills or new job #ConstChat
— Sean Lintow Sr. (@The_HTRC) March 12, 2015
A3: I address the problem head on. That way they can (hopefully) correct the issue. #constchat
— Milan Jara (@Milan_Jara) March 12, 2015
Q3 A talk is probably necessary if it's an employee. If a client it's harder. #constchat
— BlueSteele Solutions (@BlueSteeleTX) March 12, 2015
A3. Give them a warning? Ask them if they MEAN the time they say? #ConstChat
— Window Works CA (@WindowWorksCA) March 12, 2015
A3: Options: -Have a convo around the importance of your time -Send a nice reminder in advance -Keep the meeting w/in the time #constchat
— Bill Sutton LEED AP (@LEED_Resource) March 12, 2015
A3. I really do get pissed. I spend the next 10 min. chilling out. #constchat
— Darren Slaughter (@DarrenSlaughtr) March 12, 2015
A3a. Some people are always tardy to show disrespect. With others, it's cultural. #ConstChat
— Window Works CA (@WindowWorksCA) March 12, 2015
A3. Discuss & then escalate the situation if needed. #constchat
— Zircon Corporation (@ZirconTools) March 12, 2015
A3. It's hard to tackle. I think getting to the root of the problem. Sometimes it's issues out of their control. #ConstChat
— The Highmark Group (@highmarkgroup) March 12, 2015
A3 Consistently late = shows zero respect for others' time. Charge 'em for the extra time at the end. #constchat
— Amy Donohue (@TheFabSocial) March 12, 2015
A3: Similarly how you would keep meetings moving forward smoothly: https://t.co/Q05XEq5H5O #constchat #business
— URETEK Holdings, Inc (@URETEKHoldings) March 12, 2015
A3. With tardy friends, I'll just bring a book & a smile. And also know that I have extra time. With work? Grin & bear it. #ConstChat
— Megan Smale (@megan_smale) March 12, 2015
A3. And…if you are more than 15min late…I leave. #constchat
— Darren Slaughter (@DarrenSlaughtr) March 12, 2015
@RigginsConst I work at a place where being on time is typically early. Everyone is 5 mins late. #ConstChat
— Albert Restaino (@Ares_0926) March 12, 2015
Yeah, the talk is necessary to see what's what MT @WindowWorksCA A3a. Some people are always tardy to show disrespect #ConstChat
— BlueSteele Solutions (@BlueSteeleTX) March 12, 2015
@RigginsConst A3: Tardiness can be seen as disrepectful of other peoples time…
— Bill Sutton LEED AP (@LEED_Resource) March 12, 2015
A3- Tell everyone else the meeting is 30 minutes later than Mr. Tardy then they are always early. 🙂 #constchat
— Scott Burkholder (@sburkholder_cm) March 12, 2015
A3: Or you could follow some of these steps: 1: Set clear policy; 2: Always document absences; 3: Be CONSISTENT; 4: Remind #constchat
— URETEK Holdings, Inc (@URETEKHoldings) March 12, 2015
A3a. If it's a professional, I will walk out if someone is too late. 45 minutes late? No! #ConstChat
— Window Works CA (@WindowWorksCA) March 12, 2015
@RigginsConst .set a limit (5-10mins) if they are not there let them know you will have to reschedule. (like 5 days out!) #constchat
— Coleen Dolan (@CertifiedLeads) March 12, 2015
A3. Networking group would stop everything and clap when our tardy mem arrived, after 2 weeks they stopped being late! #ConstChat
— CompanyCam (@CompanyCam) March 12, 2015
A3: Set the expectations up early on in the relationship..and consequense for not meeting them! #constchat
— Coleen Dolan (@CertifiedLeads) March 12, 2015
If someone is 10-15 late without reaching out, ie stuck in traffic, well, we'll have to reschedule at best 😉 #constchat
— URETEK Holdings, Inc (@URETEKHoldings) March 12, 2015
A3) Kick 'em to the curb? #constchat
— Mr. CabinetCare (@MrCabinetCareOC) March 12, 2015
Q4: Do you start without the tardy person?
A4. It's usually just the two of us…so…no. #constchat
— Darren Slaughter (@DarrenSlaughtr) March 12, 2015
A4 Depends on situation, sometime the tardy person is who you need in the room (like the client), other times start when planned #ConstChat
— Sean Lintow Sr. (@The_HTRC) March 12, 2015
A4 Depends. Nothing more annoying than having to explain things twice, or wait while it's explained #constchat
— BlueSteele Solutions (@BlueSteeleTX) March 12, 2015
@RigginsConst A4 – It really depends on how critical they are to the meeting, Most times yes, Move their issues to the end. #ConstChat
— Bill Sutton LEED AP (@LEED_Resource) March 12, 2015
A4. Definitely situational. #constchat
— The Highmark Group (@highmarkgroup) March 12, 2015
A4. Yes. Otherwise, you punish the people who are on time. Don't waste people's time. #ConstChat
— Window Works CA (@WindowWorksCA) March 12, 2015
@RigginsConst A4 – When I facilitate meetings, I am on a mission… Get done within the allowed time, people can get on with their day.
— Bill Sutton LEED AP (@LEED_Resource) March 12, 2015
@BlueSteeleTX Time is money! It is frustrating if you need to keep repeating things because people are not on time. #constchat
— Zircon Corporation (@ZirconTools) March 12, 2015
A4: Communication is key. If u've already tried to contact them & left a message, then yes. Time doesn't stop b/c they're late. #constchat
— Mr. CabinetCare (@MrCabinetCareOC) March 12, 2015
A5: Whenever possible, absolutely. That's what meeting minutes are for. #constchat
— CanIgetNAmen (@CanIgetNAmen) March 12, 2015
A4: I have been known to wait 5 minutes but typically start on time to not punish those that were on time. #constchat
— Scott Burkholder (@sburkholder_cm) March 12, 2015
A4. It depends on who they are. If they're not high-level, then yes. It's their job to keep up. You can't waste a team's time. #ConstChat
— Megan Smale (@megan_smale) March 12, 2015
Q5: What does consistent tardiness say about a person?
A5. I don't know…either they don't become clients or they don't stay around the shop long. 🙂 #constchat
— Darren Slaughter (@DarrenSlaughtr) March 12, 2015
A5: my opinion…lack of respect. PERIOD! #constchat
— Coleen Dolan (@CertifiedLeads) March 12, 2015
A5 It shows that you don't value the other person, not even their time, you don't value THEM #constchat
— BlueSteele Solutions (@BlueSteeleTX) March 12, 2015
A5. Consistent tardiness? Could be cultural, personality trait (bad time management), etc. #ConstChat
— Window Works CA (@WindowWorksCA) March 12, 2015
A5. Disrespect, rude. I think it all boils down to respect. They don't respect others enough. #constchat
— The Highmark Group (@highmarkgroup) March 12, 2015
A5 They don't care or need serious help RT @RigginsConst: Q5: What does consistent tardiness say about a person? #constchat
— Sean Lintow Sr. (@The_HTRC) March 12, 2015
A5. Means that they are 1) don't care, 2) are too casual about the job, 3) do not work hard, 4) are aloof, 5) not a team player.. #constchat
— Zircon Corporation (@ZirconTools) March 12, 2015
A5. Sometimes a person's job makes them late. Doctors have lots of emergencies. #ConstChat
— Window Works CA (@WindowWorksCA) March 12, 2015
A5: Hmmm…lazy, inconsiderate, and poor time management. Not a good look. #constchat
— Mr. CabinetCare (@MrCabinetCareOC) March 12, 2015
A5. Consistent tardiness says that you have terrible project management skills. You can't manage your time or don't enough to. #ConstChat
— Megan Smale (@megan_smale) March 12, 2015
@RigginsConst A5 – Can mean a few things: - Poor time mgmt habits - Lack of respect - Poor planning - Indicative of bigger issue #ConstChat
— Bill Sutton LEED AP (@LEED_Resource) March 12, 2015
Sometimes it could show disrespect for the job, other employees' time. It could also show a lack of passion, or misuse of skills #constchat
— URETEK Holdings, Inc (@URETEKHoldings) March 12, 2015
A5: Some people truly don't have a good grasp on time. That's why setting an alarm is a good idea. Keeps them on track. #constchat
— Mr. CabinetCare (@MrCabinetCareOC) March 12, 2015
A5: For what I do…it gives me a real sense of the type of client I don't want to deal with #constchat
— Coleen Dolan (@CertifiedLeads) March 12, 2015
If someone's skills aren't being used to their full potential, tardiness could be a symptom of dis-passion, jadedness. #constchat
— URETEK Holdings, Inc (@URETEKHoldings) March 12, 2015
@RigginsConst A5: If you've addressed the problem and it still happens, then they might not care enough. #constchat
— Milan Jara (@Milan_Jara) March 12, 2015
a5: "fashionably late" does not work in the professional world – even in the fashion industry. #constchat
— Mr. CabinetCare (@MrCabinetCareOC) March 12, 2015
A5: If they are consistently tardy, then I talk to them to get to the root of the issue. #constchat
— Scott Burkholder (@sburkholder_cm) March 12, 2015
It's important to talk to employees and discover the root cause of tardiness, make sure they are OK, too. #constchat #wellbeing
— URETEK Holdings, Inc (@URETEKHoldings) March 12, 2015
Devil's advocate: Sometimes tardiness and other workplace issues can signal issues such as depression: http://t.co/p8M2U8nw6U #constchat
— URETEK Holdings, Inc (@URETEKHoldings) March 12, 2015
Q6. Anyone here been successful in changing a tardy person?
A6. Reward the earlybirds with pie! #ConstChat
— Window Works CA (@WindowWorksCA) March 12, 2015
A6 yes, sitting them down and explaining the consequences of continued tardiness. Works 90% of the time #constchat
— BlueSteele Solutions (@BlueSteeleTX) March 12, 2015
A6 Yes but it comes down to them wanting to – got to find that trigger / issue #constchat
— Sean Lintow Sr. (@The_HTRC) March 12, 2015
A6: We have a very strict business meeting on Tuesdays. If anyone is late, they can't join the meeting. Helps kick 'em into gear. #constchat
— Mr. CabinetCare (@MrCabinetCareOC) March 12, 2015
A6. Honestly don't think you can change people. You can enable them to better make decisions, but they have to change themselves. #ConstChat
— Megan Smale (@megan_smale) March 12, 2015
@ZirconTools Right. Laying out the tardy policy is a good idea so everyone is on the same page. #constchat
— Mr. CabinetCare (@MrCabinetCareOC) March 12, 2015
A6. Seriously if there's a good consequence to being on time, that works. #ConstChat
— Window Works CA (@WindowWorksCA) March 12, 2015
A6: No charging happening here. It just doesn't happen enough for me to create a policy like that. #constchat
— Scott Burkholder (@sburkholder_cm) March 12, 2015
Only myself! I used to be extremely tardy in general <guilty look> @RigginsConst #constchat
— StatsLog Software (@StatsLog) March 12, 2015
@RigginsConst A6 – Me. I changed myself. Improved habits, better perspective on what it meant to others, became accountable #ConstChat
— Bill Sutton LEED AP (@LEED_Resource) March 12, 2015
A6 usually it's a misunderstanding of the importance-sometimes they're seeing how far they can push you #constchat
— BlueSteele Solutions (@BlueSteeleTX) March 12, 2015
People can't be changed, only helped. A person changes themselves depending on what's important to them. #constchat #respect
— URETEK Holdings, Inc (@URETEKHoldings) March 12, 2015
Q7: is it a generation gap issue?
Sometimes – as they just might know better, used to getting away with RT @CertifiedLeads: @RigginsConst Q7: is it a generation gap issue?
— Sean Lintow Sr. (@The_HTRC) March 12, 2015
A7 I think every generation is late at first lol then they grow up! #constchat
— BlueSteele Solutions (@BlueSteeleTX) March 12, 2015
A7. I think it is more of an individual than generational issue. #constchat
— Zircon Corporation (@ZirconTools) March 12, 2015
A7. I don't think so. I think it could be more of a cultural thing than generational #constchat
— The Highmark Group (@highmarkgroup) March 12, 2015
Yes indeed. Do some reading on Generation Z (just out of college) Went to a whole talk on it! @CertifiedLeads #constchat
— BSB Design (@BSBDesign) March 12, 2015
A7 I think it's a maturity issue #constchat
— BlueSteele Solutions (@BlueSteeleTX) March 12, 2015
A7: I think it goes beyond generations. "It's a personal problem." #constchat
— Mr. CabinetCare (@MrCabinetCareOC) March 12, 2015
A7: I see less and less of the next generations having respect for others time. Guess we are to fault? #constchat
— Coleen Dolan (@CertifiedLeads) March 12, 2015
A7. Speaking as a Millennial, I wouldn't say that we're more tardy as a group. At least, not that I've seen. Rude is rude. #ConstChat
— Megan Smale (@megan_smale) March 12, 2015
A7: We have millenials and baby boomers. Each group exhibits tardiness. Tardiness is endemic to human behavior, not one group #constchat
— URETEK Holdings, Inc (@URETEKHoldings) March 12, 2015
#constchat A7: You'll find with gen X and more with gen Z that they are very distracted, and impacted by "no child left behind" mentality
— BSB Design (@BSBDesign) March 12, 2015
Bonus Tweets:
@RigginsConst You are epic. Seriously. Great chat! #ConstChat
— Megan Smale (@megan_smale) March 12, 2015
I enjoyed the chat. My first time but not my last. #constchat
— Scott Burkholder (@sburkholder_cm) March 12, 2015
Yes, thanks for all your hard work! These are great! RT @WindowWorksCA A big thank you to @RigginsConst for this chat! #ConstChat
— BlueSteele Solutions (@BlueSteeleTX) March 12, 2015
Time is what you make of it #constchat pic.twitter.com/Iy0u9XCFuL
— URETEK Holdings, Inc (@URETEKHoldings) March 12, 2015
#constchat pic.twitter.com/S8N0pzgoXx
— URETEK Holdings, Inc (@URETEKHoldings) March 12, 2015
What’s your two cents?
Do you have an answer you want to contribute? Feel free to add it in the comments.