Just In Time
Tyler Cowen wrote an interesting bit about efforts in Ecuador and the U.S. to promote punctuality. In Ecuador, the private sector has labeled tardiness as a large problem, especially with military and public officials. They've started a program to promote punctuality with a number of interesting ideas. Of all their ideas, I really liked this one that Tyler mentioned:
"The program even includes incentives. If you are on time for a meeting, you are greeted with a pleasant sign telling you to come on in. The red flip side of the sign reads: 'Do not enter, the meeting started on time.'"
I like my job, so I'll refrain from naming those people at my organization who are late for every single meeting that they attend, even the ones that they organized (I'm not bitter...much). Needless to say, there have been a number of meetings in the past where I would have relished locking the door and putting up a nasty sign. Ahh, to dream.