Promptness, Essay Example

Promptness is an important concept for all people to possess.  From a young age we must be on time to school and other important events.  As it will be examined in this analysis, promptness does not disappear.  In fact, it becomes more important as we live our lives.  Truly promptness is one term that must be exhibited if one wishes to ensure success.

Definition of “Promptness”

Promptness is generally known as a noun.  However it is important to note that it is of course linked to the word “prompt,” as the word in question is certainly a form of this word as well.  Thus promptness and prompt can be used in a variety of manners, as the former is a noun and the latter can be a noun, verb, adverb, and adjective.  At any rate, we wish to obtain the general meaning of our purposes and not become overrun by these uses.

Promptness is generally linked to quickness and readiness.  According to the definition entry of this term, we see it linked to this general idea: “Promptitude, readiness; quickness of decision or action” (Webster’s Dictionary, 1913 Edition).  This first definition characterizes the quickness and readiness elements of the term.  The second definition adds “Cheerful willingness; alacrity” (Webster’s Dictionary, 1913 Edition) to the mix.  Certainly we find the general consensus of the term promptness in these elements of quickness in that of a decision, action, or other characterization.

Of course promptness is a form of the word “prompt.”  In delineating the further essence of the term, we can observe the definition of prompt: “(of an action) done quickly and without delay, or (of a person) acting quickly or arriving at the arranged time” (Cambridge Dictionary).  From this definition we see, along with the definition of the word in question, the importance of defining prompt or promptness as a response.  One responds quickly and swiftly to some situation, time, or other standard.

Importance of Being Prompt, or Promptness

Being prompt comes into play in a lot of different ways.  As will be addressed later, it can be incredibly important to be prompt in regards to one’s workplace.  However it can be extended to other settings and points in one’s life.

School

Being prompt is a responsibility that we encounter at an early point.  Most individuals are well informed of the dangers of being late to school and to classes, at the appropriate age.  One cannot be successful in one’s education if he or she is constantly late to classes.

Being late to school or classes can have serious consequences.  Some people have experienced suspensions or other disciplinary actions from being late, often at the high school level.  At any level being late can have a negative impact on one’s grades.

Being late is also simply not conducive to a positive learning experience.  When an individual is not consistently on time, he or she is unable to be present for important material and to be in a position to learn the material.  This is something that many students encounter as they approach responsibilities needed for an education.

This is where the importance of promptness comes into view.  The student must be aware of their timeliness in order to develop important qualities that can be used to further their educational, and thus other, goals.  If one is prompt, then he or she is in a good position to be present for what they need to learn.

Thus promptness is often developed at this stage in one’s life.  For many young adults the importance of promptness is learned in this time period.  One begins to realize the importance of being on time and how it is conducive to not only school, but general success.

Workplace

The workplace also represents one extremely important setting in which promptness is important.  This is a popular discussion in the consequences that may occur without the presence of promptness, and also in reinforcing the positive benefits of being prompt.  As we will see, it can be argued that promptness is essential in the workplace, especially for some professions that are based in timeliness in certain regards.

Consequences in the Workplace

There are obvious consequences when one is tardy to work.  The absence of promptness can transform one’s work experience quite negatively, even resulting in one losing his or her job.  Lacking promptness, one many find his or her career prospects lessening.

One survey reveals the negative consequences of being late to work.  This is emphasized in the strict policies that are revealed in the study for some employers: “More than one-third (34 percent) of employers said they have terminated an employee for being late” (Pendleton Gazette).  Although this is not a likely consequence in some cases, it is something that is very real and seen in some workplaces and situations, as evident from the survey.

There are quite a range of consequences that are seen in regards to being late at work.  As we have seen from the survey, employees are often fired for such behavior.  However, other less severe, though not less impactful in the long run, consequences can be realized from lack of promptness.  Poor job performance, which is certainly relevant when promptness is not established, can lead to a lack of mobility in one’s career.  Other cases are also relevant, as being late to work would certainly not be conducive to a good reference, for example, as well.

Job Markets and Careers in which Promptness is Further Realized

Promptness is certainly valuable in the workplace, as seen in the obstructions that take place when it is absent.  The job market is even related to promptness, as the previous survey also reports that workers are arriving late to work less, in which the survey links the two together: “A tighter job market may be contributing to increased punctuality at work” (Pendleton Gazette).  As the survey took place just a few months ago, promptness is currently strongly realized in a tougher job market due to the recession in the United States.

There are a number of careers in which promptness is key.  It would be impossible to imagine an ER doctor or surgeon without promptness in the manner in which he or she attends to patients, and other general time management skills.  Likewise a business person would be unable to make it if he or she missed or was late to a number of meetings.

Other careers involve promptness in subtle, yet important manners.  For instance, a musician must be able to schedule accordingly and be prompt to shows to perform.  A young person working a paper route must make good use of his or her time in order to deliver the paper on time.  Further examples can be surely made on a number of levels, to where promptness is essential, and to other in which promptness can make work much easier for the individual to perform.

In any career promptness can set one apart from others.  Haasch believes that promptness can make one’s performance apparent, with a couple small considerations: “Now, if you’re that one person that completes their work early, or helps someone else meet their deadline you’ll be setting yourself apart from the rest” (Haasch).  These small actions, in avoiding delays in one’s work in any workplace setting, could be conducive to viewable increased job performance.

Thus the importance of promptness in work performance is seen in any setting, quite clearly.  As lacking promptness could lead to a number of repercussions in one’s career, its presence can allow one to move forward.  It is also valuable for a positive work environment, along with many other advantages outside of the scope of this analysis.

Conclusion

Promptness is an important quality for all people to possess.  It is characterized by a state of being quick in response to some situation.  It is also relevant to everyday events and activities, and can even be extended to elements of time management.

One definitive environment in which promptness is realized is in the workplace.  Lacking promptness, one may experience a negative impact on one’s career, and it has been the cause for many lost jobs.  However, when promptness is present, one can demonstrate commitment and other valuable characteristics, which can positively serve one’s career and make for a pleasant and effective work atmosphere.

Promptness is also extended towards other environments as well.  At an early age the importance of promptness is realized in school.  In one’s personal life promptness is a good characteristic to have, in order to be on time to events and to have a consistent and reliable presence for one’s friends and family.  Ultimately promptness can be extended to just about any environment, where it remains important in many aspects.  Promptness is one characteristic that is valued by many people.

References

Cambridge Dictionary. “Prompt.” N.D. Web. June 8, 2010.

Haasch, Leslie. “The Importance of Punctuality in the Workplace. Associated Content. November 2, 2007. Web. June 8, 2010.

Pendleton Gazette. “Fewer Late to Work.” March 16, 2010. Web. June 8, 2010.

Webster’s Dictionary, 1913 Edition. “Promptness.” ARTFL Project. N.D. Web. June 8, 2010