I hardly late at work. (I am retired now)
We can't rely on public transport run on time so I would leave home earlier just in case. I hate to be late.
If I have to meet someone rather than friend, to make sure I do not arrive too early. I would adjust time somewhere else.
I used to go to somebody's house (a lesson) at 13:30. If I arrived too early, I would keep walking the street up and down and knock the door on time. One day the person asked me "How did you always manage to arrive dead on time?"
If a friend invited me for dinner or something, I would make sure I do not knock the door earlier than we arranged as she might not be ready to have guest yet.
if I visit my best friend and if I might arrive late or earlier, then i would call her to let her know about it.