One lunchtime me and a colleague decided to beat the rush to the canteen and leave our work stations 5 minutes early..
We knew that if we avoided the main buildings and walked over the parade ground, it was unlikely we would get spotted - we could also guarantee that we would be at the head of the queue and have the best choice of food...

As we were about two thirds the way across the parade ground heard the gentle and reassuring voice of my instructor...
Holland....!
Halt immediately - consider yourself on report...!
Anyone who has ever worked in, alongside or on behalf of the Military will know the type of voice I am describing - think Windsor Davies and you'll get the picture...
I froze immediately and received one of the most comprehensive and impressive Bo££#ckings can remember - probably why when in the USA and a CEO went into meltdown at me one afternoon, I simply smiled and said "I've seen better..."
Being dressed down by a military officer is one of life's truly moving experiences - I recommend at least once to everyone..
It did however teach me a lesson the fact that as punishment I had to cut, file and scrape a piece of gun-barrel steel to Two Inches round and then One Inch square probably helped too...

The Lesson - Always be on time...

Arrive earlier than you say and stay later than you agreed...
This rule stuck with me - I am always early for appointments, and I always hang around after others have gone...
I believe it is one of the factors that has enabled me to not only get promoted to the Corner Office, build l my own business and stay married for 28 years but to be able to be a good Coach with standards and rules of success that can be transferred.
When we do events or workshops, whether for large organisations, small ones, individuals or the public - there is always someone that is late and uses one of the following excuses, usually preceded by "I'm sorry I'm late but..."
  1. It was the traffic - we all have traffic to deal with. Get up sooner, leave earlier, stay in a hotel overnight...
  2. My Alarm didn't go off - if you love your job you don't need an alarm. You don't need an alarm on Christmas morning do you; go and do you something you enjoy and let someone else have the benefit of your salary...
  3. I got lost - well you should have driven here over the weekend and checked out directions, road works and parking availability.
  4. I've got children - so do I, I've had them for over 25 years now, but it hasn't stopped me being on time ever...
  5. Watch was slow - then you are not anywhere near as smart as your'phone. You are not a 5 year old you are a professional, start acting like one..
  6. Was on a call - so your saying that in order to get your attention I have to 'phone you...? and that the person on the 'phone is more important than me..?
  7. Meeting ran over - then manage yourself and your time better, if you have to warble on so much that you miss another appointment you need to learn to shut up AND be punctual...
It is an unfortunate pattern that I guarantee will restrict you ability to be promoted, elected or selected; it will lose you sales, reputation and opportunities...

If you do this then STOP IT...

If you know someone else who does it - they will make you look really good..
I make a promise to my Coaching clients, if I am ever late for a meeting I give them a bottle of Champagne, I don't explain why I was late, or attempt to justify it, I just hand them the Champagne...

During the last 15 years I have given away just TWO bottles, and one of those was because they were on the Eighth floor and jammed the lift with a fire extinguisher so I had to run of the stairs...

Why should you contact me...?

Simple - you will be better off with me as your Coach than you are without me.
I will expect and encourage you to achieve more than you think possible, you will love me some days and hate me the next. I will take away your excuses and replace them with achievement; and on the way we'll have more fun than should be allowed in Business...
So, if you think you're ready - drop me an Email...
If you think you're not - then it makes no difference what you do...
davidholland@resultsrulesok.com