My segment on Etiquette 101: Rules for Being on Time aired on WPIX 11 Morning News in New York in response to Mayor De Blasio's chronic lateness. I expanded on some of the questions that they asked but we didn't get to cover:
MH: Lateness is often taken as a sign of disrespect no matter who you are. I think we have a certain understanding of the challenges of a public figure's schedule and the public can be forgiving up to a point. Those in the public eye should be aware of perception and the impact that lateness can have on their image over time.
WPIX: Is there really something as “fashionably late”?
MH: The term "fashionably late" started in the early 1800's when dining later in the evening became the fashion. It wasn't meant that showing up an hour late for dinner was fashionable. Today when you receive an invitation for dinner at 7:00pm arriving a 5 minutes late would be ok, especially if there are casual drinks served before hand. It is actually polite to arrive just a few minutes past the invitation time in case your host or hostess is still working on last minute preparations and primping.
If the invitation is to a party where there is no meal served and the invitation may call for 9:00pm, there is no expectation that you arrive at 9. In fact, the party won't really get going until later in the evening.
WPIX: What should you do if you know you are going to be late to an event?
MH: Always keep the contact information on hand for the person you are meeting, as soon as you are going to be late let the host or organizer know your expected arrival time and keep them updated if that changes. Be realistic about when you expect to be there. There's no point in telling them you're parking when you're really still miles away.
Outrageous excuses don't make the situation any better. I had someone say once that they had been hit by a bus. He used the same excuse two months later!
WPIX: What is the proper late etiquette for the following:
-Job interview - My rule is don't be late for this one! You're not promised a second chance. Lateness does not leave a good first impression and if the interview is down to you and someone who was on time you've put yourself at a disadvantage. Plan to arrive a half hour early, giving yourself a chance to settle in. It's always better to sit and wait for a few minutes rather than screaming in the front door frazzled and out of breath.
-Wedding /Christening/ Funeral - Slip in the back as quietly as you can, do not draw attention to yourself or make a scene.
-Public Engagement - Apologize immediately without making excuses and let the organizer know as soon as possible of your delay. As I mentioned before be honest about when you expect to arrive.
-Play or Performance - Again slip in the back quietly. Some performances will have ushers that will open the doors and allow you in at the appropriate time.
