Demonstrate how understanding you are.

Golden is when you show up to a meeting on time. What's even better is when the people you'll meet are running late.

What's the best, you ask? If the people who are running late are those who innately have the upper hand. You know, an executive, an interviewer, your boss. 

This is your opportunity to be actively understanding. Call this an alternate way of kicking off a meeting on the right foot. You're prompt, you're understanding...you're flexible. 

From the start of the meeting, the other person is (only if temporary) at your mercy and has no choice but to be impressed with your easygoing manner and be obliged to fully engage with your thoughts and ideas. 

• "Take your time."
  

• "Please, take a minute to get settled."
  

• "Don't rush through traffic; I'll see you when you get here."