Declining 1:1 Meetings Without a Message Is Rude
Published on Apr 15, 2024, filed under misc (feed). (Share this on Mastodon or Bluesky?)
Just to get this on the record somewhere *:
No matter who you are and what your position, declining 1:1 meetings without a message—or just not showing—is rude.
When you can’t meet, decline with context and/or an apology.
If you cannot do that right away, do so as soon as you can.
If possible, propose a new time to meet.
If appropriate, ask the other to propose a new time to meet.
If the meeting is being canceled for good, say so and explain.
But don’t just decline 1:1s without a comment.
It’s disrespectful—and you’re setting a bad example for your organization’s culture.
* I’ve seen this behavior in several organizations. Not right now though—I’ve just moved to Spain, and am open to a management position in an organization with a friendly (preferably even googley) remote culture.
About Me
I’m Jens (long: Jens Oliver Meiert), and I’m a web developer, manager, and author. I’ve worked as a technical lead and engineering manager for small and large enterprises, I’m an occasional contributor to web standards (like HTML, CSS, WCAG), and I write and review books for O’Reilly and Frontend Dogma.
I love trying things, not only in web development and engineering management, but also in other areas like philosophy. Here on meiert.com I share some of my experiences and views. (I value you being critical, interpreting charitably, and giving feedback.)