Why you should stop waiting for late comers

Is this familiar?

You show up on time for a meeting, maybe even a few minutes early, ready to dive in.

Then, the leader says, “We’ll wait a few more minutes for the latecomers.”

What does this really communicate?

• It penalizes the punctual.

When meetings don’t start as scheduled, those who arrive on time may feel their effort isn’t recognized. Over time, this subtle signal erodes morale and respect.

• It rewards tardiness.

Waiting for latecomers creates a cycle. People start to think, “I don’t need to be on time—there’s always a grace period.” This pattern undermines the very efficiency meetings aim to achieve.

• Do latecomers even want to be waited for?

Many late arrivals feel awkward walking into a room where everyone is already waiting. Starting on time shows consistency and removes the spotlight from those arriving behind schedule.

So, what’s a better approach?

👉 Start on time, every time.

Punctuality sets a professional tone and communicates respect for everyone’s time.

And here’s a thought:

Instead of waiting, open with an icebreaker or fun question to engage attendees from the get-go. This ensures early arrivals feel valued and starts the meeting with positive energy.

What are your thoughts? How do you handle tardiness in meetings?