the value of the meeting

 

If the value of the meeting isn’t clear from the invitation, reply back with a few open-ended questions before making your decision:

• “Could you please provide some additional information on the agenda?”
• “What stage of decision making are we at on this topic?”
• “How should I prepare for the discussion?”

If it’s clear that the meeting is worthwhile, your next question is whether or not you’re the right person to attend. Are the issues within the purview of your role? Do you have the expertise to contribute to the conversation? Are you under-qualified or overqualified for the level of decisions on the table? If you’re questioning why you were invited, reach out to the meeting organizer before responding:

• “What are you looking for me to contribute at this meeting?”
• “Who else will be there from my department?”
• “Who will I be representing?”

Liane Davey

“Polite Ways to Decline a Meeting Invitation,” Harvard Business Review. May 17, 2016 as quoted in HBR Guide to Making Every Meeting Matter. Harvard Business Review Press. 2016.