How to respond to a meeting request with multiple times if I am indifferent

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If someone wants to have a meeting and provides a selection of times, ex:



Monday 1:00-1:30 pm - EST
Tuesday 9:00-9:30 am - EST
Wednesday 2:00-2:30 pm - EST


and I am completely indifferent as to the times, should I still pick one (to move things forward), or just reply that all the meeting times are acceptable (to give them the choice of time in case they have a preference)?



Does the status between the two matter, i.e. who is more senior or a boss, or who is the one driving/initiating the meeting?



edit for clarification: assume only two people are involved in the meeting







share|improve this question

















  • 4




    Pick the first date which isnt a monday morning, or during lunch (11:30-12:30).
    – Raoul Mensink
    Jul 18 '16 at 14:13






  • 2




    I think you're over thinking this. Either say "they all work, what's best for you", or pick the earliest time to get it out if the way, or pick randomly. Things that don't matter do not matter.
    – keshlam
    Jul 18 '16 at 16:19
















up vote
3
down vote

favorite












If someone wants to have a meeting and provides a selection of times, ex:



Monday 1:00-1:30 pm - EST
Tuesday 9:00-9:30 am - EST
Wednesday 2:00-2:30 pm - EST


and I am completely indifferent as to the times, should I still pick one (to move things forward), or just reply that all the meeting times are acceptable (to give them the choice of time in case they have a preference)?



Does the status between the two matter, i.e. who is more senior or a boss, or who is the one driving/initiating the meeting?



edit for clarification: assume only two people are involved in the meeting







share|improve this question

















  • 4




    Pick the first date which isnt a monday morning, or during lunch (11:30-12:30).
    – Raoul Mensink
    Jul 18 '16 at 14:13






  • 2




    I think you're over thinking this. Either say "they all work, what's best for you", or pick the earliest time to get it out if the way, or pick randomly. Things that don't matter do not matter.
    – keshlam
    Jul 18 '16 at 16:19












up vote
3
down vote

favorite









up vote
3
down vote

favorite











If someone wants to have a meeting and provides a selection of times, ex:



Monday 1:00-1:30 pm - EST
Tuesday 9:00-9:30 am - EST
Wednesday 2:00-2:30 pm - EST


and I am completely indifferent as to the times, should I still pick one (to move things forward), or just reply that all the meeting times are acceptable (to give them the choice of time in case they have a preference)?



Does the status between the two matter, i.e. who is more senior or a boss, or who is the one driving/initiating the meeting?



edit for clarification: assume only two people are involved in the meeting







share|improve this question













If someone wants to have a meeting and provides a selection of times, ex:



Monday 1:00-1:30 pm - EST
Tuesday 9:00-9:30 am - EST
Wednesday 2:00-2:30 pm - EST


and I am completely indifferent as to the times, should I still pick one (to move things forward), or just reply that all the meeting times are acceptable (to give them the choice of time in case they have a preference)?



Does the status between the two matter, i.e. who is more senior or a boss, or who is the one driving/initiating the meeting?



edit for clarification: assume only two people are involved in the meeting









share|improve this question












share|improve this question




share|improve this question








edited Jul 18 '16 at 14:48
























asked Jul 18 '16 at 14:07









user2813274

1,01021022




1,01021022







  • 4




    Pick the first date which isnt a monday morning, or during lunch (11:30-12:30).
    – Raoul Mensink
    Jul 18 '16 at 14:13






  • 2




    I think you're over thinking this. Either say "they all work, what's best for you", or pick the earliest time to get it out if the way, or pick randomly. Things that don't matter do not matter.
    – keshlam
    Jul 18 '16 at 16:19












  • 4




    Pick the first date which isnt a monday morning, or during lunch (11:30-12:30).
    – Raoul Mensink
    Jul 18 '16 at 14:13






  • 2




    I think you're over thinking this. Either say "they all work, what's best for you", or pick the earliest time to get it out if the way, or pick randomly. Things that don't matter do not matter.
    – keshlam
    Jul 18 '16 at 16:19







4




4




Pick the first date which isnt a monday morning, or during lunch (11:30-12:30).
– Raoul Mensink
Jul 18 '16 at 14:13




Pick the first date which isnt a monday morning, or during lunch (11:30-12:30).
– Raoul Mensink
Jul 18 '16 at 14:13




2




2




I think you're over thinking this. Either say "they all work, what's best for you", or pick the earliest time to get it out if the way, or pick randomly. Things that don't matter do not matter.
– keshlam
Jul 18 '16 at 16:19




I think you're over thinking this. Either say "they all work, what's best for you", or pick the earliest time to get it out if the way, or pick randomly. Things that don't matter do not matter.
– keshlam
Jul 18 '16 at 16:19










3 Answers
3






active

oldest

votes

















up vote
10
down vote



accepted










Depends on how many people are in the meeting. If this is a planning for a larger meeting (3 or more parties, basically) then it is often best to respond with an "I am available at all of these times". (Or, if you can do some, but not all, to respond with the ones you have available).



Since there might be other parties who still need to pick an available time and you saying "Let's do monday" might then result in "we can't do monday", whereas you saying "Any is fine with me" would immediately go to "We can only do Wednesday".



When there are only 2 parties involved, the other party clearly is also available for all of these and is also indifferent, so just pick one. Roll a die, or just go with the first one, or whatever. If they cared, they would have emphasized their preferred date.






share|improve this answer





















  • Edited the question for clarification, it's only 2 parties involved - not sure the other party is indifferent as to the other times, as they may not be confident enough to suggest a preferred time depending on the relationship between the two parties
    – user2813274
    Jul 18 '16 at 14:51

















up vote
2
down vote













If the request is coming from your supervisor and it is something work related, such as a project status check up or a customer expectation etc, it is best that you choose the best time depending on the project's timeline. Your supervisor might not be aware of your position on the subject matter project and deferring the timing to you, so that you can be more prepared.



If it is a personal matter, like your yearly or quarterly review, it is best if you choose a time which you know will be better for your boss, indicating that you are available for all the time slots offered but you thought it might be at your boss' best interest if you go with this or that time. This will make you sound decisive, at the same time considerate of your boss. And letting your boss know that you are open to all suggestions, gives them the chance to offer a different time, should he/she feels another time slot serves better for his/her purpose.



On the other hand, if the meeting request is coming from a coworker or a project team member, it has almost always been my experience that, more flexible you sound, more irrelevant work you end up getting during the course of the project. Choose one time slot, even if it is at random, and stick to it, and if necessary, resist the time change proposals, within reason of course. If someone, who is not your boss, thinks that he/she can walk over you, this is not a good move for the rest of your time in that position.






share|improve this answer




























    up vote
    0
    down vote













    If you are having a small meeting, and all the times work for you - just say so.



    Keep in mind that working for you means:



    • You can be on time

    • You will have any preparation or action items for the meeting complete

    • You can be attentive and ready to participate

    If you can't do all three, say so, and pick the time that is most likely to get you as ready for the meeting as possible. If you have no part to play in the meeting, then ask why it's necessary and what value you bring to it.



    The importance of being ready on all counts increases when the meeting is with your superiors or with other people of high importance. If you are the higher ranked person, you may be able to waste the time of the other groups more or if this is a large meeting, it may be understood if you can't be 100% ready for the meeting.






    share|improve this answer





















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      3 Answers
      3






      active

      oldest

      votes








      3 Answers
      3






      active

      oldest

      votes









      active

      oldest

      votes






      active

      oldest

      votes








      up vote
      10
      down vote



      accepted










      Depends on how many people are in the meeting. If this is a planning for a larger meeting (3 or more parties, basically) then it is often best to respond with an "I am available at all of these times". (Or, if you can do some, but not all, to respond with the ones you have available).



      Since there might be other parties who still need to pick an available time and you saying "Let's do monday" might then result in "we can't do monday", whereas you saying "Any is fine with me" would immediately go to "We can only do Wednesday".



      When there are only 2 parties involved, the other party clearly is also available for all of these and is also indifferent, so just pick one. Roll a die, or just go with the first one, or whatever. If they cared, they would have emphasized their preferred date.






      share|improve this answer





















      • Edited the question for clarification, it's only 2 parties involved - not sure the other party is indifferent as to the other times, as they may not be confident enough to suggest a preferred time depending on the relationship between the two parties
        – user2813274
        Jul 18 '16 at 14:51














      up vote
      10
      down vote



      accepted










      Depends on how many people are in the meeting. If this is a planning for a larger meeting (3 or more parties, basically) then it is often best to respond with an "I am available at all of these times". (Or, if you can do some, but not all, to respond with the ones you have available).



      Since there might be other parties who still need to pick an available time and you saying "Let's do monday" might then result in "we can't do monday", whereas you saying "Any is fine with me" would immediately go to "We can only do Wednesday".



      When there are only 2 parties involved, the other party clearly is also available for all of these and is also indifferent, so just pick one. Roll a die, or just go with the first one, or whatever. If they cared, they would have emphasized their preferred date.






      share|improve this answer





















      • Edited the question for clarification, it's only 2 parties involved - not sure the other party is indifferent as to the other times, as they may not be confident enough to suggest a preferred time depending on the relationship between the two parties
        – user2813274
        Jul 18 '16 at 14:51












      up vote
      10
      down vote



      accepted







      up vote
      10
      down vote



      accepted






      Depends on how many people are in the meeting. If this is a planning for a larger meeting (3 or more parties, basically) then it is often best to respond with an "I am available at all of these times". (Or, if you can do some, but not all, to respond with the ones you have available).



      Since there might be other parties who still need to pick an available time and you saying "Let's do monday" might then result in "we can't do monday", whereas you saying "Any is fine with me" would immediately go to "We can only do Wednesday".



      When there are only 2 parties involved, the other party clearly is also available for all of these and is also indifferent, so just pick one. Roll a die, or just go with the first one, or whatever. If they cared, they would have emphasized their preferred date.






      share|improve this answer













      Depends on how many people are in the meeting. If this is a planning for a larger meeting (3 or more parties, basically) then it is often best to respond with an "I am available at all of these times". (Or, if you can do some, but not all, to respond with the ones you have available).



      Since there might be other parties who still need to pick an available time and you saying "Let's do monday" might then result in "we can't do monday", whereas you saying "Any is fine with me" would immediately go to "We can only do Wednesday".



      When there are only 2 parties involved, the other party clearly is also available for all of these and is also indifferent, so just pick one. Roll a die, or just go with the first one, or whatever. If they cared, they would have emphasized their preferred date.







      share|improve this answer













      share|improve this answer



      share|improve this answer











      answered Jul 18 '16 at 14:23









      Erik

      26.2k187199




      26.2k187199











      • Edited the question for clarification, it's only 2 parties involved - not sure the other party is indifferent as to the other times, as they may not be confident enough to suggest a preferred time depending on the relationship between the two parties
        – user2813274
        Jul 18 '16 at 14:51
















      • Edited the question for clarification, it's only 2 parties involved - not sure the other party is indifferent as to the other times, as they may not be confident enough to suggest a preferred time depending on the relationship between the two parties
        – user2813274
        Jul 18 '16 at 14:51















      Edited the question for clarification, it's only 2 parties involved - not sure the other party is indifferent as to the other times, as they may not be confident enough to suggest a preferred time depending on the relationship between the two parties
      – user2813274
      Jul 18 '16 at 14:51




      Edited the question for clarification, it's only 2 parties involved - not sure the other party is indifferent as to the other times, as they may not be confident enough to suggest a preferred time depending on the relationship between the two parties
      – user2813274
      Jul 18 '16 at 14:51












      up vote
      2
      down vote













      If the request is coming from your supervisor and it is something work related, such as a project status check up or a customer expectation etc, it is best that you choose the best time depending on the project's timeline. Your supervisor might not be aware of your position on the subject matter project and deferring the timing to you, so that you can be more prepared.



      If it is a personal matter, like your yearly or quarterly review, it is best if you choose a time which you know will be better for your boss, indicating that you are available for all the time slots offered but you thought it might be at your boss' best interest if you go with this or that time. This will make you sound decisive, at the same time considerate of your boss. And letting your boss know that you are open to all suggestions, gives them the chance to offer a different time, should he/she feels another time slot serves better for his/her purpose.



      On the other hand, if the meeting request is coming from a coworker or a project team member, it has almost always been my experience that, more flexible you sound, more irrelevant work you end up getting during the course of the project. Choose one time slot, even if it is at random, and stick to it, and if necessary, resist the time change proposals, within reason of course. If someone, who is not your boss, thinks that he/she can walk over you, this is not a good move for the rest of your time in that position.






      share|improve this answer

























        up vote
        2
        down vote













        If the request is coming from your supervisor and it is something work related, such as a project status check up or a customer expectation etc, it is best that you choose the best time depending on the project's timeline. Your supervisor might not be aware of your position on the subject matter project and deferring the timing to you, so that you can be more prepared.



        If it is a personal matter, like your yearly or quarterly review, it is best if you choose a time which you know will be better for your boss, indicating that you are available for all the time slots offered but you thought it might be at your boss' best interest if you go with this or that time. This will make you sound decisive, at the same time considerate of your boss. And letting your boss know that you are open to all suggestions, gives them the chance to offer a different time, should he/she feels another time slot serves better for his/her purpose.



        On the other hand, if the meeting request is coming from a coworker or a project team member, it has almost always been my experience that, more flexible you sound, more irrelevant work you end up getting during the course of the project. Choose one time slot, even if it is at random, and stick to it, and if necessary, resist the time change proposals, within reason of course. If someone, who is not your boss, thinks that he/she can walk over you, this is not a good move for the rest of your time in that position.






        share|improve this answer























          up vote
          2
          down vote










          up vote
          2
          down vote









          If the request is coming from your supervisor and it is something work related, such as a project status check up or a customer expectation etc, it is best that you choose the best time depending on the project's timeline. Your supervisor might not be aware of your position on the subject matter project and deferring the timing to you, so that you can be more prepared.



          If it is a personal matter, like your yearly or quarterly review, it is best if you choose a time which you know will be better for your boss, indicating that you are available for all the time slots offered but you thought it might be at your boss' best interest if you go with this or that time. This will make you sound decisive, at the same time considerate of your boss. And letting your boss know that you are open to all suggestions, gives them the chance to offer a different time, should he/she feels another time slot serves better for his/her purpose.



          On the other hand, if the meeting request is coming from a coworker or a project team member, it has almost always been my experience that, more flexible you sound, more irrelevant work you end up getting during the course of the project. Choose one time slot, even if it is at random, and stick to it, and if necessary, resist the time change proposals, within reason of course. If someone, who is not your boss, thinks that he/she can walk over you, this is not a good move for the rest of your time in that position.






          share|improve this answer













          If the request is coming from your supervisor and it is something work related, such as a project status check up or a customer expectation etc, it is best that you choose the best time depending on the project's timeline. Your supervisor might not be aware of your position on the subject matter project and deferring the timing to you, so that you can be more prepared.



          If it is a personal matter, like your yearly or quarterly review, it is best if you choose a time which you know will be better for your boss, indicating that you are available for all the time slots offered but you thought it might be at your boss' best interest if you go with this or that time. This will make you sound decisive, at the same time considerate of your boss. And letting your boss know that you are open to all suggestions, gives them the chance to offer a different time, should he/she feels another time slot serves better for his/her purpose.



          On the other hand, if the meeting request is coming from a coworker or a project team member, it has almost always been my experience that, more flexible you sound, more irrelevant work you end up getting during the course of the project. Choose one time slot, even if it is at random, and stick to it, and if necessary, resist the time change proposals, within reason of course. If someone, who is not your boss, thinks that he/she can walk over you, this is not a good move for the rest of your time in that position.







          share|improve this answer













          share|improve this answer



          share|improve this answer











          answered Jul 18 '16 at 14:23









          MelBurslan

          7,00511123




          7,00511123




















              up vote
              0
              down vote













              If you are having a small meeting, and all the times work for you - just say so.



              Keep in mind that working for you means:



              • You can be on time

              • You will have any preparation or action items for the meeting complete

              • You can be attentive and ready to participate

              If you can't do all three, say so, and pick the time that is most likely to get you as ready for the meeting as possible. If you have no part to play in the meeting, then ask why it's necessary and what value you bring to it.



              The importance of being ready on all counts increases when the meeting is with your superiors or with other people of high importance. If you are the higher ranked person, you may be able to waste the time of the other groups more or if this is a large meeting, it may be understood if you can't be 100% ready for the meeting.






              share|improve this answer

























                up vote
                0
                down vote













                If you are having a small meeting, and all the times work for you - just say so.



                Keep in mind that working for you means:



                • You can be on time

                • You will have any preparation or action items for the meeting complete

                • You can be attentive and ready to participate

                If you can't do all three, say so, and pick the time that is most likely to get you as ready for the meeting as possible. If you have no part to play in the meeting, then ask why it's necessary and what value you bring to it.



                The importance of being ready on all counts increases when the meeting is with your superiors or with other people of high importance. If you are the higher ranked person, you may be able to waste the time of the other groups more or if this is a large meeting, it may be understood if you can't be 100% ready for the meeting.






                share|improve this answer























                  up vote
                  0
                  down vote










                  up vote
                  0
                  down vote









                  If you are having a small meeting, and all the times work for you - just say so.



                  Keep in mind that working for you means:



                  • You can be on time

                  • You will have any preparation or action items for the meeting complete

                  • You can be attentive and ready to participate

                  If you can't do all three, say so, and pick the time that is most likely to get you as ready for the meeting as possible. If you have no part to play in the meeting, then ask why it's necessary and what value you bring to it.



                  The importance of being ready on all counts increases when the meeting is with your superiors or with other people of high importance. If you are the higher ranked person, you may be able to waste the time of the other groups more or if this is a large meeting, it may be understood if you can't be 100% ready for the meeting.






                  share|improve this answer













                  If you are having a small meeting, and all the times work for you - just say so.



                  Keep in mind that working for you means:



                  • You can be on time

                  • You will have any preparation or action items for the meeting complete

                  • You can be attentive and ready to participate

                  If you can't do all three, say so, and pick the time that is most likely to get you as ready for the meeting as possible. If you have no part to play in the meeting, then ask why it's necessary and what value you bring to it.



                  The importance of being ready on all counts increases when the meeting is with your superiors or with other people of high importance. If you are the higher ranked person, you may be able to waste the time of the other groups more or if this is a large meeting, it may be understood if you can't be 100% ready for the meeting.







                  share|improve this answer













                  share|improve this answer



                  share|improve this answer











                  answered Jul 18 '16 at 21:31









                  bethlakshmi

                  70.3k4136277




                  70.3k4136277






















                       

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