Random Thought of the Day: Being on time is not the pinnacle of professionalism.

How is it said? "If you want to be professional, be on time."

In my experience, consistency and honesty is more important and professional than simply obeying the clock. Buses, planes, and trains ought to be on time; people ought to be given the time they need when circumstances demand it.

To be on time is to be professional. Right? Sure, it's simple and elegant. It's measurable. Were you on time? Yes/No. Thus, are you professional? Yes/No. But being on time isn't about professionalism at all. Being on time is about who can arrive at an agreed upon destination with the fewest obstacles to navigate. It's really almost a point of discrimination. And it's entirely about control. If you have kids, or a spouse, or a clunker of a car, or a longer route, or even the barest hint of conflicting agendas, you might be a redneck … er, I mean, you might not be professional material. What else is keeping you from being on time? Get with the program, or get another job!

And whoever has the fewest obstacles to navigate generally sets the rules. Get the picture? Being on time will always be easier for some, and infinitely harder for the rest of us. Do I fall into that category? I don't have a problem with arriving on time. I do have a problem, though, with those who consistently arrive on time but also consistently deliver a lower quality of work than that "level of professionalism" would otherwise seem to dictate. And work should always be about quality, not quantity.

If you're more interested in doing more rather than doing better, by all means, strictly obey the clock. That certainly isn't the pinnacle for me. (Not even sure if it would be in the top 3!)