There are three basic approaches to deadlines, be early, on time or late.

Fear may drive the “early” group to get stuff done asap or it may be their unwillingness to tote a large bag of uncompleted tasks in that sack that most of us carry on our backs.

On timers may get a buzz from being on time, and an even larger buzz if the person they are meeting is late…

Always late? Could be seen as a control issue or a person that has no interest in remembering or keeping to agreements.

Whatever the psychology, accountants – who live by appointments – cannot afford the luxury of extreme positions. And if their main task is to keep clients compliant, working to meet statutory deadlines has little in the way of flexibility.

Whenever possible, firms attempt to enrol clients in being early; sending in information in a timely way such that filing can be completed before deadlines. All advisers will be aware of the advantages of this approach.

On time is OK. But late is to be avoided at all costs. Late in an accountant’s back yard means fines and penalties.

Advisers are constantly alert to the countdown towards deadlines. Witness the phrenetic activity each year as the Self-Assessment filing deadline approaches. But this is likely to continue, and experienced as ground-rush, with all of its stress producing aspects, as deadlines approach and the parachute refuses to open.

Source: New feed