How to Deal With Someone Who is Always Late

Most people find themselves running late once in a while. But dealing with someone who is always late can be frustrating. But there are several things that can be done to let the person know that chronic lateness isn't appreciated, and won't be tolerated anymore.

Instructions

1. Sit the person down and tell them how their tardiness makes you feel. Do this when you're in a good mood, not annoyed because they've once again left you waiting somewhere. A calm and rational conversation will make more of an impression than if you yell at them out of frustration.

2. Ask the person if there's anything you can do in the future to help them to be on time. Sometimes a little lesson in time management may be just what they need. Calling them an hour before might give them the gentle push they need to get ready and get out the door so they can be on time.

3. Confirm the time that has been agreed upon to meet several times before the next meeting, and ask what time they plan to leave to arrive so that no one has to wait. If you hear of a traffic backup on the route you know they'll take, call them and let them know so they can leave earlier or find an alternate route.

4. Give them a taste of their own medicine. Arrive much later than you expect them to arrive at a pre-determined meeting so they know what it feels like to wait for someone. To punctuate why you're so late, use the excuses that they've used in the past as to why they were late, and maybe they'll get the message.