A decade ago, I taught a college class on social policy.
The students were brilliant… and chronically late.
I tried “everything:”
- I made announcements.
- I pointed to the attendance policy in the student handbook.
- I posted a notice on the door.
- I even had them sign a pledge.
They were still late.
I had tried everything except enforcing the rule.
A Rule That is Not Enforced, is Not a Rule
The ONLY thing that makes something a rule is enforcement.
- Writing something down does not make it a rule.
- Announcing something does not make it a rule.
- Posting something on a wall does not make it a rule.
The Solution
At the end of a class session, I made a simple announcement: “Starting next week, anyone arriving late for class will need to stand next to their chair for 10 minutes.”
The next session, two students walked in late.
When the first one sat down, I asked him to stand. He gave me a look, but he stood. I glanced at the clock and told him when he could sit. He said, “Oh, you were serious?” I just nodded.
A few minutes later the second student arrived. She walked in, saw her classmate standing, and her face went white. I smiled. “You can sit down in 10 minutes.”
No one was ever late again.
A Note About Enforcement
I didn’t send anyone to the Dean. I didn’t dock grades. I didn’t need to.
Enforcement does not have to be a formal punishment.
In most cases, making someone feel mildly awkward—or mildly inconvenienced—is enough.
If it isn’t, then you can use more formal consequences.
But start there.
Peace,
Ryan