Not long ago I heard a speaker summarize 10 characteristics that require zero talent:

1. Being on time
2. Work ethic
3. Effort
4. Body language
5. Energy
6. Attitude
7. Passion
8. Being coachable
9. Doing extra
10. Being prepared

For the sake of time, I am only going to focus on the very first characteristic, “Being On Time”.

In the current culture that we live in, I am involved in more virtual meetings that allow me to participate from work, from home, or even from my car. The competing technologies of Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and GoToMeeting have made meetings-on-the-go the new standard.

With any technology, there are advantages and disadvantages. The ability to participate in meetings and conferences without driving 30 minutes or more is a significant advantage. It saves me money and time. I can’t speak for anyone else, but I would like to have an abundance of both money and time.

A disadvantage of these competing technologies that I have discovered is that it still takes a period of time to actually get logged in to a session. With the increased need for cybersecurity, multiple passwords, and session registrations, it can take longer than I expect to actually get into the meeting. And, if the meeting is in a different time zone, that’s a whole new factor to consider.

Knowing that it may take longer than I think to access a meeting session, I need to be more intentional about planning ahead. It has helped me to save all of the meeting login information in the event notes within my calendar. This ensures all of the information is in one place and I do not have to waste time searching.

When I do not pay attention to the planning details, I risk communicating some level of disregard or disrespect when I do not arrive on time. It is more important now than ever to go out of my way to express care and concern for others, for their time, and their well-being. I can do that by valuing their time as much as I value my own. I hope you will join me in this effort.