Chronic impunctuality, haphazard time management: Silent assassins of Sri Lanka’s productivity

THE chronic impunctuality among its citizens and the haphazard time management of its leaders are eroding Sri Lanka’s labour productivity, choking its production output and silently destroying its global competitiveness.

- 

Although punctuality and time management do not enjoy the prominence in the way vision, strategic acumen, decisiveness, empathy, authenticity, change management et cetera do in leadership literature, I would, based on my experience as both an exponent, receiver and bystander, unhesitatingly list them very high on the ladder of leadership traits and behaviours.

Punctuality is both a trait and a behaviour. It is a trait because it mirrors the innate personal characteristics of reliability, dependability, self-discipline and respect for others. It is a behaviour because it is a potent influencer which guides the actions and attitudes of superiors, peers, team members, subordinates, and other stakeholders and inspires and shapes organisational culture. It exudes an air of reliability, dependability, and effectiveness.

When a leader arrives on time for a meeting, an appointment, or even a casual conversation, they communicate, without uttering a single word, that they value the time of those waiting. This basic act cements trust. On the other hand, impunctuality reflects tardiness, disorganisation, unreliability, and chaos. These perceptions, however unintended they may be, breed resentment, diminish morale, damage reputation and undermine a leader's authority.

Ken Balendra, Chairman, John Keells Holdings PLC (JKH), the large Sri Lankan conglomerate, from 1990 to 2000 and the Chairman of many other prominent corporates and institutions is renowned for his many achievements in the corporate arena and the field of sports but not as more than he is remembered for his obsessive insistence on punctuality. Inspired by his role modelling, punctuality is a key element of JKH’s culture. The emphasis placed by JKH on punctuality is surreal. You must live it to know it! It has largely contributed to its recognition by LMD as Sri Lanka’s most respected company in all the years, bar one, since its inception in 2005.