It is 10.30am and Smith, a member of your project team, still has not arrived at his desk. Frustrated, you call him on his mobile. "John," you say, "where are you? You were supposed to be presenting at a 9.30 meeting."

"I'm really sorry," Smith replies, "but the traffic is the worst I've ever seen. I've been stuck on the motorway since 7.30." Sure enough, you can hear engines running and the occasional car horn honking in the background. Somewhat mollified, you tell him to be as quick as he can and think nothing of it. As for Smith, he hangs up, sets his alarm for 11.30 and goes back to sleep.