Who pays the price for tardiness?

There are those days when almost nothing goes as planned, traffic is backed up, the children are screaming and moving extremely slowly, the hair just would not style, your wife burnt your favorite shirt with the iron and your socks are missing in action. When you’re late you are not the only one who pays a price.

The secretary called up and announced the arrival of Michelle for her interview. She was 45 minutes late. The interviewing manager, Jake was not impressed and refused to see her. Jake then called the employee who recommended Michelle for the position and explained his displeasure in Michelle’s tardiness and at the employee’s judgment in referring an unreliable person. Michelle’s interview was basically a formality. {{more}}She practically had the job because a reputable employee recommended her for the position. Her tardiness demonstrated quite a few negative things about her character.

First it showed that she was not a reliable person. Business is driven by deadlines and a deal can be won or lost in minutes. Companies need individuals who they can depend on regardless of what is happening in their personal or professional lives.

Second, Michelle unknowingly told the interviewer that the job was not important to her. When something is important we go out of our way to ensure we do everything to get the job done or to show up on time. We become nonchalant when we do not hold the person or position in high esteem so we make no extra effort to do what needs to be done.

Third, Michelle demonstrated a lack of motivation and business savvy. Even if she wanted the position, she does not understand how the game of work is played. She obviously missed an opportunity that had room for advancement within the organization. Now she must begin her job hunt again but without the help of a friend who can refer her.

Michelle wasn’t the only one who paid a price. The interviewing manager lost valuable interview time and must begin to spend additional time to pour over more resumes and schedule interviews to fill the position.

The referring employee took a hit to her reputation and judgment as well.

When you refer someone you are basically endorsing that person. Your referral is saying that this person is a good fit for the organization and would work well to accomplish the company goals. You are vouching for their character and work ethic. Michelle’s tardiness says that her friend is not a good judge of character and this will affect her ability to be viewed as a credible employee referral source in the future. Think and plan ahead to avoid being tardy, as you are not the only one who pay a price for your professional faux pas.