When a colleague requests a last-minute meeting, claiming it’s urgent and particularly difficult, your instinct might be to help immediately. You trust their sense of urgency and agree to the meeting.

However, upon learning the details, you realize the issue isn’t urgent. The colleague is upset about a publication error and seeks advice on addressing the perceived "culprit."

From a manager’s perspective, you understand that perfection is rare. A typo rarely derails a press release, and most bugs can be fixed easily. In a team setting, accepting and taking responsibility for errors is essential. Mistakes are opportunities for growth and improvement.

As a manager, you also frequently face last-minute requests from top management, often with tight deadlines. It’s crucial to act as a buffer. If you organize impromptu meetings for every new idea from the CEO, your team will soon become frustrated. While occasional urgent tasks are inevitable, consistently allowing them can harm your team’s morale and productivity.

Before agreeing to a last-minute meeting, clarify the agenda, attendees, and the purpose. If the meeting is merely to address complaints, consider if an instant message exchange could resolve the issue. Ensure meetings are necessary, include only essential participants, and respect everyone’s time.