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Posted on May 14, 2013

Values Quotes – Don Marquis on Punctuality

Todays quote is from Don Marquis, an American humorist, journalist, and author best remembered for creating the fictional characters “Archy and Mehitabel”.

A great quote from Marquis is:
“Punctuality is one of the cardinal business virtues; always insist on it in your subordinates.”

I hope you can appreciate the humor in this quote, as it’s how many business leaders tend to operate.

As a differentiating value, Punctuality means being prompt, precise, or exact; the habit of adhering to an appointed time.

It’s interesting how we desire or even insist on punctuality from others. But do we demand it of ourselves?

No excuses. We are either punctual or we are not. There is no in-between.

Here’s one of the great benefits of this value: respect. When others know they can rely on you to show up on time, or to start and end a meeting on time, then you earn their respect. Why? Because when you show that you respect their time, they will respect you.

 

Today’s value was selected from the “Harmony-Order” category, based on the e-book Developing Your Differentiating Values.