Crystal agreed to serve on a company's advisory board and now has to contact them to say she cannot attend a scheduled meeting where she was to be one of several key speakers. What should she do?

a. Let the company know she cannot attend and that they will have to make arrangements for another speaker.

b. Ask the company to cancel the meeting.

c. Offer to send a knowledgeable colleague in her place.

d. Resign from the advisory board before the meeting date.

I see only one possible answer.

What do you think?

I think it would be a.

That would be ok. But c would be more helpful to the company.

To handle this situation, Crystal should:

a. Let the company know she cannot attend and that they will have to make arrangements for another speaker.

Here's how she can do it:

1. Express regret: Crystal should start by expressing her sincere regret for not being able to attend the scheduled meeting. This shows professionalism and consideration for the company's time and effort in organizing the event.

2. Communicate the reason: Crystal should clearly state the reason for her inability to attend the meeting. Whether it's due to a personal or professional commitment, illness, or any other reason, being honest and providing a valid explanation will help the company understand the situation better.

3. Offer alternatives: Crystal should propose possible solutions to minimize the impact of her absence. For example, she can offer to help find a suitable replacement speaker or suggest rescheduling the meeting if possible. It shows her commitment to the company and willingness to assist in finding a solution.

4. Follow up: Crystal should make sure to promptly follow up with the company to ensure they have received her message and are making necessary arrangements accordingly. This can be done through email, phone call, or any preferred form of communication.

Overall, Crystal should be respectful, communicative, and proactive in finding alternatives to fulfill her obligation as much as possible, considering the circumstances.