Five minutes late is acceptable with a brief apology. Ten to fifteen minutes late requires a phone call to warn of the delay and to apologize. It is very important to meet deadlines. If you tell someone that you will have a report to them by a certain date, or that you will fax something to them immediately, they will take you at your word. People who miss deadlines are viewed as irresponsible and undependable.
Meetings are generally informal and relaxed in manner, but serious in content.
Often an agenda will be distributed before a meeting, so the participants will be prepared to discuss certain topics. A successful meeting is short and to the point. Be prepared to begin business immediately, with little or no prior small talk. Participation is expected in meetings. A quiet person may be viewed as not prepared or as having nothing important to contribute.