Why are Workaholics Late?

If time structure is so important to a Workaholic, why are they sometimes late to meetings and appointments?

Answer

Indeed, Workaholics are motivated by Recognition of Work and Time Structure.  Their time is important to them, and they want others to value it.  They are driven to use time efficiently and effectively.  This is also the secret clue to their occasional tardiness.  We’ve discovered at least two reasons Workaholics are late – one is intentional, the other is accidental. 

Compelled to squeeze all they can out of every minute, a Workaholic who finds themselves with a little extra time on their hands will try to fill that time with “one more thing.”  Often, this one (or two, or three) thing causes them to be late to an appointment or meeting.  It can be frustrating, embarrassing, and counterproductive. 

 If this is you: Relish unexpected free time as a gift to be savored without any expectation of productivity.  Be early to your next appointment and take some pressure off yourself.

Workaholics who are members of groups where they perceive that time is not used well will sometimes intentionally come late or avoid the meeting simply because they don’t think it is an effective use of their time.  Maybe they’ve become frustrated that the meeting never starts on time.  Maybe they’ve tried unsuccessfully to influence how time is managed and given up.  Their solution is to spend their time more productively. 

 If this is you: Practice asking assertively for what you want from your group, and be honest with team-mates about how you feel.  Experiment using that “wasted time” to connect with and motivate your colleagues of different personality types so that whenever the meeting begins, all parties will be more cooperative and productive.