In this chapter, we will address punctuality, a quality that is respected and valued. This is the most visible benefit of time management. When people consistently show up where they are expected to be at the expected time, they are considered to be not only punctual but also reliable and responsible. Punctuality is not difficult to achieve. It only requires two sets of actions, schedule management and schedule compliance. Schedule management involves keeping track of all appointments and meetings, that is, all activities that show up on the calendar. Schedule compliance involves taking action to ensure that the schedule is observed, including closing all current activities and traveling towards the rendezvous point.

Here is an important distinction between tasks and schedules—tasks are intrapersonal and schedules are interpersonal. Tasks are undertaken at an individual level (many tasks that require group or team effort still have individual components) and...