Addressing Chronic Lateness
When lateness becomes a pattern, frustration can quickly overshadow effectiveness.
This lesson helps you address punctuality issues calmly and professionally — reinforcing accountability while maintaining trust and respect..
Lesson Description
You’ll learn how to restate expectations without blame, invite problem-solving instead of excuses, and secure a clear, measurable commitment to change.
You’ll Learn How To:
Address chronic lateness without triggering defensiveness
Use factual language that reinforces standards
Collaborate on solutions instead of issuing warnings
End with a clear commitment and follow-up
Core Steps:
Open neutrally — “I wanted to talk about your start times.”
Pause and listen — Give them space to respond first. Often, there’s context you don’t know.
Clarify impact — “When meetings start late, it disrupts flow.”
Reaffirm expectation — “Our start time is 8:00 a.m.”
Invite collaboration — “Is something getting in the way?”
Lock commitment — “Starting tomorrow, arrive before 8:00.”
Close respectfully — “I appreciate you being open.”
Manager Mindset:
Promote reliability, not policing.
Treat adults like adults — clear standards, open conversation, consistent follow-up.
📎 Download: Addressing Chronic Lateness Without Triggering Defensiveness (PDF)
Reminder: Join the Office Hours and Role Play Practice sessions to get live feedback on phrasing, tone, and confidence when reinforcing accountability.
Role-Play Demonstration
🎥 Manager Role-Play Demonstration
Addressing Chronic Lateness Without Triggering Defensiveness
Lesson Description
Watch how the manager handles repeated lateness with calm authority and empathy.
This demonstration shows how neutral language and balanced tone prevent defensiveness and open the door for accountability.
Watch how the manager:
Opens the conversation with professionalism and composure
Focuses on facts, not frustration
Balances firmness with curiosity
Secures a specific commitment for change
Watch For:
How silence allows space for employee ownership
The difference between explanation and excuse
The shift from emotional reaction to solution-based dialogue
Reflect:
“How can I hold boundaries without sounding controlling or judgmental?”
Reminder: Join the Office Hours and Role Play Practice sessions to practice timing, tone, and follow-up phrasing.
Say This / Not This —
Addressing Chronic Lateness
🎥 Say This / Not This — Language That Reinforces Professional Standards
Lesson Description
When discussing lateness, your tone determines whether the message feels fair or personal.
Use these phrasing shifts to keep accountability firm and the conversation constructive.
Say This / Not This Examples:
Not This: “You’re always late.”
Say This: “I’ve noticed a pattern.”
Why it works: Objective, not accusatory.
Not This: “What’s your excuse?”
Say This: “Is something getting in the way?”
Why it works: Encourages problem-solving instead of defensiveness.
Not This: “This is your last warning.”
Say This: “Let’s reset expectations.”
Why it works: Promotes ownership, not punishment.
Key Takeaway:
Consistency builds credibility.
When managers use calm, factual language, accountability becomes a shared standard—not a power struggle.
Reminder: Join the Office Hours and Role Play Practice sessions to strengthen your phrasing and confidence when addressing repeat behavior.