Except for US, UK, German and Chinese, WHY IS EVERYONE ELSE ALWAYS LATE FOR MEETINGS AND CALLS??? - GoFuckYourself.com

sperbonzo · 07-10-2014, 07:01 AM

Seriously, WTF? This drives me nuts, and has for my whole career. It seems like the people from every other country besides US, UK, Germany, Netherlands, and China, feel like it's perfectly ok to be 15+ minutes late for meetings and conference calls. They seem surprised when people are not willing to sit and wait for 25 minutes on a conference bridge for them to get around to showing up, (without any kind of message explaining that they are going to be late).

I'm not just talking about webmasters here. I'm talking about ALL kinds of business people, from bankers and lawyers to high level corporate execs. Whenever I am setting up a meeting that includes a party from South or Central America, Eastern or Southern Europe, etc.... I dread the fact that I will, 3 out of 4 times, have to try to make a small talk, and apologize to the other parties involved, for the wasted time out of their day.

Personally I find it rude. I make a promise to be at a certain place at a certain time to busy people with whom I wish to do business. Then I just blithely ignore my promise and just show up whenever?

Any one else have to deal with this bull crap?

And can anyone explain why it seems to be considered OK to be late in those places?

mineistaken · 07-10-2014, 07:05 AM

Part of the culture, common thing to be late = became almost socially accepted.

TheLegacy · 07-10-2014, 07:43 AM

I have - though I have found the same for US but generally they reply with good reason and have a sincere apology. There seems to be a strong distrust from either side both personally and business. I hear from UK, Russia etc. they screw American's around and the same is true for Russia who feel that America's can't be trusted in doing business for the most part.

Is it true for everyone? No - there are some really great people and business's to work with... same as here. I dislike painting a brush for a whole country and prefer just keeping track of those I feel can't be trusted or honest then go from there.

AdultKing · 07-10-2014, 07:48 AM

Last night I had four meetings until 1am, then slept and set my alarm for my 3am meeting, didn't hear it and woke up at 4am - rescheduled for tonight.

It happens sometimes. Especially when doing business globally.

sperbonzo · 07-10-2014, 07:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AdultKing

Last night I had four meetings until 1am, then slept and set my alarm for my 3am meeting, didn't hear it and woke up at 4am - rescheduled for tonight.

It happens sometimes. Especially when doing business globally.

I'm not talking about that kind of situation, and Aussies generally have a very professional attitude about being on time. I'm talking about calls set up right in the middle of people's day, that over and over people show up late to. In fact, in South and Central America, I have had a serious of weekly calls set up over months at various times on different projects with different people, and invariably, they would be 15+ minutes late for EVERY SINGLE CALL.

On several occasions, this kind of behavior has caused other parties involved in the project to eventually drop out, and move on to partner elsewhere instead.

.

sperbonzo · 07-10-2014, 07:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheLegacy

I have - though I have found the same for US but generally they reply with good reason and have a sincere apology. There seems to be a strong distrust from either side both personally and business. I hear from UK, Russia etc. they screw American's around and the same is true for Russia who feel that America's can't be trusted in doing business for the most part.

Is it true for everyone? No - there are some really great people and business's to work with... same as here. I dislike painting a brush for a whole country and prefer just keeping track of those I feel can't be trusted or honest then go from there.

I'm not saying anything whatsoever about trust. I didn't mention it at all, and I don't think about it. I have no issue with trust here. Some people are trustworthy, and some are not, all over the world. Please re-read. I'm talking about being late.

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AdultKing · 07-10-2014, 07:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sperbonzo

I'm not talking about that kind of situation, and Aussies generally have a very professional attitude about being on time. I'm talking about calls set up right in the middle of people's day, that over and over people show up late to. In fact, in South and Central America, I have had a serious of weekly calls set up over months at various times on different projects with different people, and invariably, they would be 15+ minutes late for EVERY SINGLE CALL

I agree, that would piss me off. My days are always full, to wait 15 minutes for someone to come on to a meeting isn't an option.

Klen · 07-10-2014, 09:10 AM

Well when it comes to South America,they came from Spain where "doing things slow" is some sort of national sort.In my country being late is also often,tho i personally i am never late unless something is delaying me,i even go earlier to make sure how i will be there in exact second.

sarettah · 07-10-2014, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sperbonzo

I'm not talking about that kind of situation, and Aussies generally have a very professional attitude about being on time. I'm talking about calls set up right in the middle of people's day, that over and over people show up late to. In fact, in South and Central America, I have had a serious of weekly calls set up over months at various times on different projects with different people, and invariably, they would be 15+ minutes late for EVERY SINGLE CALL.

On several occasions, this kind of behavior has caused other parties involved in the project to eventually drop out, and move on to partner elsewhere instead.

.

I had a client like that a while back, was always 15-20 minutes late.

I started telling her a meeting time of half an hour earlier then I would tell everyone else. So she would show up at her usual time and then I would make her wait 5 or 10 minutexs for everyone else to show up. She never even noticed..lol.

.

Rochard · 07-10-2014, 09:55 AM

I am always fifteen minutes early for calls.

Two weeks ago I was a week early. Seems I showed up for a call and no one showed up, and a short later I discovered it was for the following week. Opps.

sarettah · 07-10-2014, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rochard

I am always fifteen minutes early for calls.

Two weeks ago I was a week early. Seems I showed up for a call and no one showed up, and a short later I discovered it was for the following week. Opps.

http://dilbert.com/strips/comic/1992-02-04/

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RummyBoy · 07-10-2014, 10:41 AM

15 minutes is acceptable but if someone doesnt show up and doesnt even explain why. The best policy is to ditch them - because they're failing an important test of protocol.

As you said those people UK, US Chinese, Germans always on time.
I do a lot of business in asia. Go to China and theyre always on time.

Go to India - if someone says "i'll be there in 5 minutes" usually means 1 hour. Or they wont bother to show up or tell you why they didnt show up. Lack of education on what being prompt actually means.

The best way to handle this is that say "We will meet at 5pm exactly."
If they dont show up, call them and ask them whats going on and then decide what to do.

But NEVER wait more than 30/40 minutes - WHAT IS THE POINT?
It's really annoying for me too - so best to develop a system.

baddog · 07-10-2014, 11:10 AM

Because those are the only countries with reliable transportation?

mineistaken · 07-10-2014, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by baddog

Because those are the only countries with reliable transportation?

Spoken like a stereotypical American

ilnjscb · 07-10-2014, 11:48 AM

So true - what is hilarious is how angry Germans and UKers get when you are late.

Some places it is a power play, like you all have to be assembled before the VIP arrives.

SA is the worst for this in my experience, though Africans simply don't show up at all.

faxxaff · 07-10-2014, 12:34 PM

The need to "meet" people is showing proof of genuine weakness in one's personality. That's why people show up late. They mess around and they are having a ball.

zngb · 07-10-2014, 12:46 PM

Yeah it's a complete lack of respect. I noticed it a lot with Eastern Europe but then again I've had to wait long periods for US contacts too.

scottybuzz · 07-10-2014, 01:34 PM

pisses me off too.

Try dating a Spanish girl. They are late on purpose.

American Psycho · 07-10-2014, 01:57 PM

Its called SIESTA

Lykos · 07-11-2014, 02:53 AM

That depends from person to person not nations.. Am Serbian and am NEVER late... just biz ethics. Don't do to others what you don't want to happen to you!

Klen · 07-11-2014, 03:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sarettah

http://dilbert.com/strips/comic/1992-02-04/

.

Had same situation once,though how it is 7 am while it was in 7pm actually.

mopek1 · 07-11-2014, 04:26 AM

It's part of the culture.

I have South American friends and have been down there on a month long trip and I tell you they are late with EVERYTHING .... dentist, parties, work, etc...

It pisses me off too as I don't like wasting my time.

I remember when the Olympics were held in China that the IOC reported that they were actually ahead of schedule. That is unheard of LOL.

mineistaken · 07-11-2014, 04:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lykos

That depends from person to person not nations.. Am Serbian and am NEVER late... just biz ethics. Don't do to others what you don't want to happen to you!

Nobody is saying that EVERYONE is like that. Just that from some countries they are more likely to be in one way or another. That is natural. People in South are more relaxed about things, including this. That is just one example. Many things in business are done in a bit different ways depending on the country etc.

VikingMan · 07-11-2014, 12:16 PM

The state of Florida is the worst. People don't even have enough respect and empathy to call to cancel appointments. They just don't show up. Of course you know that since you live in Florida. That must drive you really nuts.

milambur · 07-11-2014, 12:47 PM

In general when it comes to organizing, the closer to the equator you go the worse it gets. Cooler minds prevail... ;)

carpocratian · 07-11-2014, 01:06 PM

It's just a cultural thing. Part of the cost of doing business in some countries.

07-10-2014, 07:01 AM	#1
sperbonzo I'd rather be on my boat. Industry Role: Join Date: May 2003 Location: Miami, FL Posts: 9,748	Except for US, UK, German and Chinese, WHY IS EVERYONE ELSE ALWAYS LATE FOR MEETINGS AND CALLS??? Seriously, WTF? This drives me nuts, and has for my whole career. It seems like the people from every other country besides US, UK, Germany, Netherlands, and China, feel like it's perfectly ok to be 15+ minutes late for meetings and conference calls. They seem surprised when people are not willing to sit and wait for 25 minutes on a conference bridge for them to get around to showing up, (without any kind of message explaining that they are going to be late). I'm not just talking about webmasters here. I'm talking about ALL kinds of business people, from bankers and lawyers to high level corporate execs. Whenever I am setting up a meeting that includes a party from South or Central America, Eastern or Southern Europe, etc.... I dread the fact that I will, 3 out of 4 times, have to try to make a small talk, and apologize to the other parties involved, for the wasted time out of their day. Personally I find it rude. I make a promise to be at a certain place at a certain time to busy people with whom I wish to do business. Then I just blithely ignore my promise and just show up whenever? Any one else have to deal with this bull crap? And can anyone explain why it seems to be considered OK to be late in those places? __________________ Michael Sperber / Acella Financial LLC/ Online Payment Processing [email protected] / http://Acellafinancial.com/ ICQ 177961090 / Tel +1 909 NET BILL / Skype msperber

07-10-2014, 07:43 AM	#3
TheLegacy SEO Connoisseur Industry Role: Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Brantford, Ontario Posts: 16,677	I have - though I have found the same for US but generally they reply with good reason and have a sincere apology. There seems to be a strong distrust from either side both personally and business. I hear from UK, Russia etc. they screw American's around and the same is true for Russia who feel that America's can't be trusted in doing business for the most part. Is it true for everyone? No - there are some really great people and business's to work with... same as here. I dislike painting a brush for a whole country and prefer just keeping track of those I feel can't be trusted or honest then go from there. __________________ SEO Connoisseur Microsoft Teams: Robert Warren SEO Telegram: @TheLegacy54 RobertWarrenSEO.com

07-10-2014, 09:55 AM	#10
Rochard Jägermeister Test Pilot Industry Role: Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: NORCAL Posts: 73,478	I am always fifteen minutes early for calls. Two weeks ago I was a week early. Seems I showed up for a call and no one showed up, and a short later I discovered it was for the following week. Opps. __________________ “The choice is no longer between right or left. The choice is between normal and crazy.” - Sarah Huckabee Sanders YNOT MAIL \| THE BEST ADULT MAILING SOLUTION

07-10-2014, 10:41 AM	#12
RummyBoy Confirmed User Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 2,157	15 minutes is acceptable but if someone doesnt show up and doesnt even explain why. The best policy is to ditch them - because they're failing an important test of protocol. As you said those people UK, US Chinese, Germans always on time. I do a lot of business in asia. Go to China and theyre always on time. Go to India - if someone says "i'll be there in 5 minutes" usually means 1 hour. Or they wont bother to show up or tell you why they didnt show up. Lack of education on what being prompt actually means. The best way to handle this is that say "We will meet at 5pm exactly." If they dont show up, call them and ask them whats going on and then decide what to do. But NEVER wait more than 30/40 minutes - WHAT IS THE POINT? It's really annoying for me too - so best to develop a system. Last edited by RummyBoy; 07-10-2014 at 10:48 AM..

07-10-2014, 12:34 PM	#16
faxxaff Confirmed User Industry Role: Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Marina Hemingway Posts: 2,134	The need to "meet" people is showing proof of genuine weakness in one's personality. That's why people show up late. They mess around and they are having a ball. __________________ Asian Babes

07-10-2014, 07:05 AM	#2
mineistaken See signature :) Industry Role: Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: ICQ 363 097 773 Posts: 29,656	Part of the culture, common thing to be late = became almost socially accepted.

07-10-2014, 07:48 AM	#4
AdultKing Raise Your Weapon Industry Role: Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Outback Australia Posts: 15,601	Last night I had four meetings until 1am, then slept and set my alarm for my 3am meeting, didn't hear it and woke up at 4am - rescheduled for tonight. It happens sometimes. Especially when doing business globally.

07-10-2014, 09:10 AM	#8
Klen Industry Role: Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Little Vienna Posts: 32,235	Well when it comes to South America,they came from Spain where "doing things slow" is some sort of national sort.In my country being late is also often,tho i personally i am never late unless something is delaying me,i even go earlier to make sure how i will be there in exact second.

07-10-2014, 11:10 AM	#13
baddog So Fucking Banned Industry Role: Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: the beach, SoCal Posts: 107,089	Because those are the only countries with reliable transportation?

07-10-2014, 11:48 AM	#15
ilnjscb Confirmed User Industry Role: Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 8,839	So true - what is hilarious is how angry Germans and UKers get when you are late. Some places it is a power play, like you all have to be assembled before the VIP arrives. SA is the worst for this in my experience, though Africans simply don't show up at all.

07-10-2014, 12:46 PM	#17
zngb Registered User Industry Role: Join Date: Jul 2014 Posts: 39	Yeah it's a complete lack of respect. I noticed it a lot with Eastern Europe but then again I've had to wait long periods for US contacts too. __________________ AndroidAppTemplates.com coming soon... Looking to start your app business or expand it? Use one of our templates and get published in hours instead of weeks. $69 Android Template Thread Skype: xldhapps

07-10-2014, 01:34 PM	#18
scottybuzz Too lazy to set a custom title Industry Role: Join Date: May 2006 Location: NY Posts: 14,800	pisses me off too. Try dating a Spanish girl. They are late on purpose. __________________ $$$$$ MAKE HUGE MONEY IN CAMS - CLICK HERE $$$$$

07-10-2014, 01:57 PM	#19
American Psycho Confirmed User Industry Role: Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 3,068	Its called SIESTA

07-11-2014, 02:53 AM	#20
Lykos Too lazy to set a custom title Industry Role: Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: World Posts: 31,027	That depends from person to person not nations.. Am Serbian and am NEVER late... just biz ethics. Don't do to others what you don't want to happen to you! __________________

07-11-2014, 04:26 AM	#22
mopek1 Confirmed User Industry Role: Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Canada Posts: 3,089	It's part of the culture. I have South American friends and have been down there on a month long trip and I tell you they are late with EVERYTHING .... dentist, parties, work, etc... It pisses me off too as I don't like wasting my time. I remember when the Olympics were held in China that the IOC reported that they were actually ahead of schedule. That is unheard of LOL.

07-11-2014, 12:16 PM	#24
VikingMan Exploiting human weakness Industry Role: Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: next to a salmon stream Posts: 6,504	The state of Florida is the worst. People don't even have enough respect and empathy to call to cancel appointments. They just don't show up. Of course you know that since you live in Florida. That must drive you really nuts. Last edited by VikingMan; 07-11-2014 at 12:26 PM..

07-11-2014, 12:47 PM	#25
milambur Mainstream since 2010 Industry Role: Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 1,327	In general when it comes to organizing, the closer to the equator you go the worse it gets. Cooler minds prevail... ;) __________________ Alea iacta est

07-11-2014, 01:06 PM	#26
carpocratian Confirmed User Industry Role: Join Date: Jun 2014 Posts: 198	It's just a cultural thing. Part of the cost of doing business in some countries.