A meeting should deliver two-way benefits - is asking someone to use Calendly (or similar) repectful, efficient or just plain lazy?

You know what’s getting our goat.... using scheduling software as the de facto standard for arranging meetings.

Here’s the situation: you email someone, perhaps as a result of an introduction, perhaps because you already know them, and instead of a reply that reflects any effort whatsoever, you get "Here's my Calendly, you can find a time that works." or even worse, “sounds good, you’ll see my calendly link at the bottom of my email, please use that”.

It just feels, rude and disengaged.

We’re anything but anti-technology at greyhairworks, and we know that Calendly (other calendar tools are available) has its place (eg: High-volume inbound, recruitment screening, demo bookings, fine). But when someone sends you a link in place of actually looking at their diary, it feels more like: my time is more valuable than yours, so I’m relying on you to do the admin for me, rather than, I’m looking forward to spending time with you, let’s find some time.

That's not relationship-building. That's outsourcing courtesy.

Surely, if we want to build good professional relationships, we should start by doing things that show we value the other person's time, and crucially that the meeting is worth the effort arranging it.

Then, if you get stuck trying to find a time after minimal manual effort, then chuck a calendly option for simplicity.

First impressions matter, and "navigate my scheduling software" feels like a poor one.

Relationships are built on small signals. Effort is one of them.

In a world where lots can be automated, it doesn’t mean that you should. Especially if it erodes values or intentions that are important to you - like building good relationships and being courteous.