Tactical Leadership:
Precision Punctuality

For much of my career, I believed that arriving early for meetings was a fundamental key to success. While early arrival is often beneficial, there are instances where precision punctuality—arriving exactly on time—is the most effective leadership practice.

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When a meeting is organized specifically for a leader, their punctual arrival sets the tone for efficiency and respect. This approach prevents unnecessary disruptions, optimizes time management, and fosters a more productive workplace culture.

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I once worked under a boss who frequently arrived unpredictably—sometimes five to ten minutes early, sometimes late, and occasionally excessively early. On one occasion, he showed up thirty minutes ahead of schedule for a meeting that was only intended to last thirty minutes. Regardless of his arrival time, he expected the meeting to begin immediately.

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This erratic scheduling resulted in significant inefficiencies. Employees, striving to anticipate his early arrival, often lost the crucial moments needed to collect their thoughts and prepare their materials. Meetings frequently lacked the same depth and organization that had existed under previous leaders who adhered to scheduled times. Furthermore, those who arrived excessively early found themselves filling time with unproductive discussions or addressing matters beyond their scope.

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The most tangible inefficiency was the cumulative loss of work hours. Employees, attempting to avoid being caught off guard, adjusted their schedules to arrive much earlier than necessary—leading to an estimated twenty-five lost work hours each week.

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Beyond operational inefficiencies, the leader’s unpredictable arrivals negatively impacted employee morale. His disregard for the meeting schedule signaled a lack of self-awareness regarding the stress he induced. It also raised concerns about his own time management—how could he afford so much flexibility when everyone else adhered to packed schedules? Most concerning, however, was the implicit message that he did not respect employees’ time, which ultimately eroded respect for his leadership.

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In leadership, punctuality is more than a habit—it is a statement of professionalism, efficiency, and respect. Arriving exactly on time ensures that meetings proceed as planned, workplace productivity remains intact, and employees feel valued. True leadership is not about exerting authority through unpredictable scheduling but about fostering an environment of mutual accountability and consideration.