You're late to a meeting; what is a best practice?

• A. Text a note later.
• B. Inform the organizer, apologize, and join promptly.
• C. Skip the meeting.
• D. Ask for a new time.

Answer: (B)

When you’re late to a meeting, the best approach is to inform the organizer, apologize, and join promptly. Telling someone in charge right away lets them adjust expectations and keeps the meeting from getting derailed by your absence. It shows accountability and respect for everyone’s time, and you can catch up quickly by joining as soon as you’re able.

If you can’t join immediately, a quick message to the organizer noting your delay is still helpful, but the priority is to minimize disruption by joining as soon as you can. Sending a note after the meeting starts or skipping the meeting altogether tends to create more friction and leaves you out of the loop. Asking for a new time can be appropriate only if you truly cannot participate, but it isn’t the best first move when you can still join and participate now.