Which is a best practice for protecting your schedule when someone requests your time?

Requesting time through email is a best practice for protecting your schedule because it allows you to manage your calendar more effectively. When a meeting or request is communicated via email, you have the ability to consider your current commitments, analyze your availability, and make an informed decision about your schedule without feeling pressured in the moment. Email sets a formal record of the request, provides the opportunity to look at time zones and details closely, and allows for a written reference to revisit the discussion later if needed.

By contrast, other methods of communication such as phone calls may not provide the same opportunity for thoughtful consideration and can lead to immediate pressures to respond, which may compromise your ability to prioritize your existing tasks and commitments. Accepting requests indiscriminately can lead to overcommitment and poor time management. Declining requests outright without thoughtfully assessing your schedule can also create misunderstandings or hinder collaboration with coworkers.