Business English Lesson on Late or No Show (2) How to handle it? A boss or manager will not be too upset if you are late only once or very rarely. But if this is a constant habit, they might be a little more upset. "You have been late three times in the last two weeks. Is this going to be a continual problem?" "Your tardiness is getting out of hand. You had better start managing your morning time better." "I expect you to be at your desk at eight o'clock. Do you have a problem with this?" If you hear one of these statements, then you better say something that will calm the boss down. Also, you shouldn't let this happen again so tell him or her it won't happen again. "I am terribly sorry. It won't happen again." "I had a lot of recent changes at home, but it's all taken care of. I will not be late again." "I'm really sorry. It's been one of those weeks. It won't happen again."