Concept of Time

Precise

Loose

•

Time is valuable.

•

Time should not be wasted.

•

Punctuality is very important.

•

Maintain rigid schedules.

•

Time is flexible.

•

There is plenty of time.

• Appointments and deadlines are

expressions of intent, not

commitment.

•

Social relationships happening

now are more important than an

appointment in the future.

Have participants read the bullets from the slide or their Outline.
Ask participants to think about the two concepts of time and discuss their work experiences with their table groups.
Ask participants to write a reflection in their Outline (p. 4) on the concept of time as it relates to their MEP duties.

Some people operate on a precise concept of time while others have a more loose concept of time.
Understanding a contact’s or family’s concept of time will help a recruiter plan his or her day appropriately.

Many families have a loose concept of time: breaking appointments, regularly late, etc.
MEP personnel often operate under the precise concept of time because of work schedules, etc.
The concept of time can lead to miscommunication about a time to meet and trigger emotional responses of anger and frustration, which can impact relationship-building.