The motivational lyrics of Mike Okri’s song, Time Na Money, run thus: “Time na money, time na money; use your time well; money no dey fall from heaven, do better thing money go come, na true word I dey tell you so.”
Back in the early 90s, the song was considered one of Nigeria’s best hits, and just about any Nigeria delighted in singing along each time it was played on radio. The lyrics contain a timeless wisdom: time is money, use your time well, productive use of time generates wealth.
A friend insists that what people parade is barely skin deep, that what we put out does not match our outward display of embellishment. The Appropriation Bill was passed not too long ago, much later than was expected. Beyond the drama and other theatrical absurdities, a blatant misnomer was the scant regard for timely execution of a matter of urgent national importance. This is a reflection of our values. While the timely completion of the renovation of the Abuja airport runway, in April this year, is highly commendable, it becomes difficult to criticize the childish glee that accompanied such a rare feat. What should ordinarily be the norm was celebrated like an uncommon achievement. Why, because like Harley’s comet, these are uncommon events.
Tardiness is ingrained in our culture. We practice African time, a derogatory description of lack of punctuality with its negative impact on productivity. Our former colonial masters, the British, recognized our inefficiencies by making provision for the unflattering African time or Black people’s time.
The Americans also have their more disparaging description, CP, an acronym for Coloured Peoples time. While this is excusable in pre-colonial era when time was measured according to the movement of the sun, moon and cock crow, which could not guarantee accuracy, the deliberate insistence on clinging to such primordial practices, is at best primitive. Unfortunately, it’s accepted as the standard. School children are seen leisurely strolling to school more than two hours behind opening bell. The employee shuffles into the office without any remorse, feeling justified that the traffic gridlock is to blame for lateness to work. We love God; God must reciprocate by accommodating our dilatoriness.
Our reverence for God does not compel us to eliminate ungodly habits like unpunctuality. Every event, appointment, meeting, gathering, occasion must make provision for African Time. It is ironical that serial offenders pride themselves on the ability to make a grand entrance when a meeting is well under way.
A Ghanaian writer succinctly captures the enormity of this paroxysm when he warned that, “One of the main reasons for the continuing underdevelopment of our country is our nonchalant attitude to time and the need for punctuality in all aspects of life. The problem of punctuality has become so endemic that lateness to any function is accepted and explained off as ‘African time.’
Thumbs down to such a primitive culture.
Time is money, time is life and life is time. Existence takes it essence from time. Birth is premised according to the time of life. The Holy Bible states that, “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the sun.” The implication is that inappropriate use or misuse of time has underlying negative consequences. People who misuse time are architects of self-dishonour.
A hallmark of etiquette is punctuality which simply means being prompt or doing things at stipulated time. You demonstrate respect and consideration for others when you adhere to time. It also presents you as competent and dependable. You set the tempo for attitudinal change when people around you know you are a stickler for time. It distinguishes you while strengthening your professional profile.
On the other hand, you disrespect people when you keep them waiting, default on agreed timelines, whether it’s with your upline or downline. Whether making a speech, observing lunch hour, any deviation from scheduled time frame poses grave danger to the relationship. Many years ago, I was detailed to represent my Regional Head at the prestigious Association of City Bank Managers, an influential professional body of bankers.
The meeting was usually held in the regional office of one of the older generation banks. On a particular election day, the chairman announced, “there is a particular position that will not be contested, the position of Financial Secretary, the House has unanimously agreed that this lady (pointing at me) will occupy that position.
This is in recognition of her unparalleled punctuality, demonstrating outmost professionalism required of a banker.” While others jostled for elective position, etiquette through punctuality delivered mine on a platter of gold.
The etiquette advantage often means getting ahead or being left behind.
Don’t be left behind.