Can we change "African Timing?"

The plan is simple; Your delivery will arrive at 10am - as promised, then you will commute across town for your 11:30am meeting, return to the office promptly by 2pm and complete your work due by 9am the following day.

Except it doesn't always go that way, does it? Your supplier is unreachable at 10am and for the last 1.5 hours has been "15 minutes away." This one event impacts the next, creating a domino effect and essentially building an ecosystem where things rarely begin or end on time. While sometimes what we call African Timing may be an attitude of "I don't need to worry about this right now," it is most often fermented by a standard of inefficiency. When there aren't appropriate systems in place, we lose control over our schedules.

This may not be an issue during family gatherings or get-togethers, but the result can be colossal in the business ecosystem; you can lose clients, miss deadlines or make huge losses. This begs the question; can we change African timing?

As an individual, you cannot change an entire region's timing or cultural practices. Timing and punctuality norms are deeply ingrained in a culture and can be influenced by various factors such as history, geography, social norms, and economic conditions.

On a smaller scale we have the power to choose who we work with and can continue to imprint our interpersonal relationships by developing a value for timeliness.

On a larger scale, instead of trying to change African timing as a whole, it's more productive to focus on finding ways to adapt and work effectively within the existing cultural context. This may involve implementing strategies to substantiate progress and automate the next steps whenever possible.

If you find that African timing is affecting your workflow, here are some steps you can take to address the situation:

1. Understand the cultural differences: Different regions and countries have their own cultural norms and practices when it comes to timing and punctuality. It's important to familiarize yourself with the cultural context and recognize that what may be considered acceptable or normal in one culture may differ in another. If you know what to expect, you can accept situations more quickly and being to look for solutions.

2. Communicate expectations: When working with someone that is often late, you may sometimes have to over-communicate. Clearly communicate your expectations and deadlines to all parties involved, including colleagues, clients, or suppliers. Be explicit about the time frames and any specific requirements you have for timely responses or deliverables. This rescinds any blame that can be placed on a lack of clarity.

3. Be flexible and adaptable: Recognize that unexpected delays or changes may occur due to factors beyond your control, such as local holidays, power outages, or connectivity issues. Build flexibility into your workflow to accommodate these situations and have contingency plans in place. However, as the saying goes, "don't put all your eggs in one basket." Build a large network that can provide you with different options.

4. Adapt your communication mediums: If the other party is not tech-savvy, explore alternative methods to maintaining communication and tracing accountability. This may sometimes require you to visit or send a representative to gauge progress.

5. Demonstrate what that looks like: Always be on time and honour your own time, even if this requires you to leave if you have been waiting for them for too long. If you are learning late, communicate how you'd like them to communicate with you. When you set the standard and honour it, you teach others how you like to be treated.

6. Build systems in your workplace: Take some time to evaluate the areas you are losing time in your organization, and seek ways you can automate tasks and processes that don't require your presence. Thereafter, build systems within your team such as to-do lists and weekly check-ins for following up on projects. One way of assessing whether the inefficiency may be a burnout issue is by having a "what's on your plate?" check-in with your team. When you know what everyone is responsible for, it's easier to find solutions or perhaps lighten someone else's load by delegating it to another that has less on his plate.

7. Patience and understanding: It's essential to approach the situation with patience and understanding. Remember that cultural differences exist, and people may have different priorities or approaches to time management. Maintaining a respectful and collaborative mindset will contribute to smoother workflows and better working relationships.

It's worth noting that cultural practices can evolve over time, influenced by factors such as globalization, increased connectivity, and generational shifts. As societies and workplaces change, there may be gradual shifts in timing norms. But these changes are typically driven by broader societal dynamics and not something that can be achieved through individual efforts alone.

Overall, finding ways to adapt your workflow and communication strategies while considering the cultural context can help mitigate the challenges posed by African timing differences.