Arrive Early Or Not At All

I came across this in Bill Hybel's new book 'Axiom', which is challenging to us musicians in leadership! I often struggle with running late when I'm leading worship.

There are so many things to prepare, the setlist to print, the photocopier takes time to warm up, my guitar to tune. I found this piece of advice brilliantly to the point: 'Jesus said let your yes be yes and your no be no. So when I say yes to meeting with a group of my colleagues at a certain time and place, I do everything in my power to keep my word. Promptness is about character, and leaders are not beyond the rules that govern things like courtesy and character. When a leader says to a group of direct reports, "I'll be at the restaurant at noon to meet with the four of you," all four of those people want to know whether that leader will in fact keep his word. If the leader strolls in fifteen minutes late, the team members who likely broke their backs to get there on time feel devalued. But when a leader factors in traffic and detours and last minute incoming calls and still manages an early arrival, the team members feel affirmed. Within leadership circles around Willow (Hybel's church), if people do encounter a complication that makes them late for a meeting, the first thing they do upon arrival is apologize. No excuses; just a sincere "I'm sorry." Anyone can give a valid reason why they're running a bit behind. But it takes grace and relational intelligence to keep that reason at bay until you've first let group members know that their feelings rank higher than your justification. When I've had to issue an apology like that, my whole team relaxes in response. They are reminded that I really do value their time, I really do view them as equals, and I really do want my yes to be yes." (BILL HYBELS - AXIOM) Then there's what one friend of mine does - sets their watch ten minutes early!