Robyn Pearce: Is Western-style time management always best?

Photo / Thinkstock

A trip some time back to Gisborne really got me thinking about cultural differences and the relevance of time in different societal groups.

They take time to be friendly down on the Coast. Just one example of many was my cab driver. He not only took my bags right in to the airport check-in counter, but stopped to chat with mates for 5 minutes before, at his leisure, moving his car from the front door.

So why, when life seems so relaxed and people are so friendly, do people in a place like the East Coast want courses on time management? What of the cultural influences in a place with a high Maori population? Is there a disconnect between the old ways and the new?

This topic came up discussion on the course I was there to run with teachers and principals from all round the region, many of them Maori. In rolling the topic round, three words rose to the surface - respect, relationships and communication.

As I listened, Stephen Covey's phrase 'Seek first to understand, then be understood' pushed into my consciousness.

Here's what I took from the discussion.

1. Have respect for the old ways

Understand that the old traditions come from a different paradigm: from a way of life underpinned by great courtesy

• The Maori, Aboriginal and Pacific cultures expect a willing sharing of the gift of time to be shown to visitors - it's a way of giving honour and respect

• In the old ways, the more rural ways, people are first, artificial systems (as they would see them) second. In the commercial world we sometimes get so bound up in our processes that we forget courtesy. Do the people run their diaries, or do the diaries run the people?

• If a visitor arrives unexpectedly, stop what you're doing and spend time with them.

• Give people time to have their say.

• Allow enough time for an event to follow its natural course (within reason)

• Honour your elders (no matter how long-winded!)

2. Dig the well before you need it

If you've invested time in building strong relationships, it's easier to then ask people to fit in with your preferred way of doing things, including the way you wish to manage your time.

3. Communicate

• Share your expectations and requirements

• Ahead of time, lay out the ground rules if it's your turf. For example:

-We will start at .... and finish at .....

-We would like you to arrive at. ....

-If you come early, please wait for us to be ready. We may be in the midst of something that can't be delayed.

Think of ways to express your point in language focused on their needs and benefits. We're all wired into Radio Station WIIFM (What's In It For Me). Our visitors are no different. If the benefits to them of your desired behaviour are pointed out, any reasonable person will accept your 'rules'.

• Educate people. Some possible examples:

-Explain to them that you can't do your best for them (i.e. parents and visitors to a school) if caught unprepared

-Or, you wouldn't want them to have the trouble of coming to visit you and find you not present or unavailable.

Some extra tips from the group:

Have a good sense of humour, and be flexible. Unexpected things will always happen, and being uptight won't help.

The Principal of a small rural school, with a predominantly Maori roll, shared how visitors would often miss the road to his school and go some 20k further before they realised they'd missed the turnoff. At least 20 minutes later they'd be back to the turnoff. He used to have the children waiting - now they get ready and then carry on with normal work until the visitors arrive.

Once the formal part of a gathering is over, it's perfectly appropriate, especially if you've explained your plan, to leave the visitors having a good time together while you and the children get back to your work.

The message I took away: If we can integrate the best from each culture we all grow in understanding and it makes life wonderfully interesting.

What do you think?

Robyn Pearce (known as the Time Queen) is the MD of GettingAGrip.com, an international time management and productivity training company based in New Zealand. Get your free report 'How To Master Time In Only 90 Seconds' and ongoing time tips at www.gettingagrip.com