Hi there,
Declining team calls is inevitable.
We often end up double-booked – or triple-booked!
But here's what most people don't realize: your calendar declines are confusing your team.
⚡ Supercharge of the Week
Remote Octopus recommends adding a note when you decline a calendar invite.
Declining without a note often leads to significant confusion. Teams are left wondering:
Do you have a conflict?
Do you already have what you need this week?
Does someone else need to be invited instead?
This ambiguity often leads to unnecessary confusion. It creates more work for your team.
Sharing a quick note evaporates that confusion. It unblocks everyone.
There are two easy options to share this note.
📆 Option One: In the Invite
If your team is in Google Calendar, use the <Add note> feature to share context on your decline.
This <Add note> feature is hiding behind the carrot menu next to the three buttons. The carrot will be facing down when you first see it. Once you click the carrot, click <Add note>.
A second screen will pop up prompting your note. Add your details – dentist appt, invite Elijah instead, ping me async if needed, etc. Press send and your note will automatically show up in the calendar invite for attendees to see.
💬 Option 2: Quick Slack Note
The headline says it all. Send a quick Slack note to the meeting organizer in advance of the call start time.
EXAMPLE IN ACTION
Hi Mariska – I’m not able to make today’s Project X sync. Can you invite Elijah instead to answer any marketing questions?
