Debunking the Biggest Myth About AI Assistants

When we tell people about CalBot and AI executive assistants in general, one common reaction is, "I don't want AI to run my calendar."

This comment evinces a lack of understanding about CalBot and related executive assistant services. We're writing this blog post to set the record straight once and for all.

CalBot does not control your calendar. It doesn't act without your permission, and you remain in the driver's seat.

Now, how does this work? Let's take it one step at a time.

Looping CalBot in

CalBot does not act without being asked to do something. For example, you need to text or email CalBot to get it to do anything. It is only 'autonomous' in the sense that, in responding to your request, it is pretty smart. If you ask for it to look for free times "next week," it will know to query your calendar for next week and not this week, for example. But it won't go ahead and add delete, or email anything without you asking it to do it.

Proposing Times

People say, "I don't want CalBot to propose times on my behalf. I want to choose when I want to meet with people. Just because my calendar says that I am free doesn't mean I want to have meetings then."

We wholeheartedly agree.

There are two main ways users remain in total control of the times that CalBot proposes on their behalf. The first is the use of preferences. Preferences are a way for users to explain to CalBot, just as they would a real human, how they like to work. So they can tell CalBot, "I don't ever want to meet before noon" or "I never want to have meetings on Fridays" or "If someone asks for a video call, make it only 15 minutes." They might also write, "I only want to have meetings back-to-back."

The second way users stay in control is by telling CalBot, when looping CalBot in, when CalBot should propose times for. For example, they might say, "Looping in CalBot to propose times for Tuesday afternoon." Or users may propose times for themselves and only loop CalBot in to actually create the event. So they may agree to a time and then CC CalBot and say, "CalBot, please send the calendar invite."

You're Always in Control

The key takeaway is simple: you're always in control. CalBot is a tool that responds to your requests and follows your preferences, not an autonomous agent that makes decisions for you.

Think of CalBot like a highly capable human assistant who:

• Only acts when you ask them to
• Follows your specific instructions and preferences
• Proposes options but never decides for you
• Respects your boundaries and working style

The difference is that CalBot can work 24/7, never forgets your preferences, and handles the tedious back-and-forth of scheduling so you don't have to.

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Ready to try CalBot for yourself? Get started today and see how it can save you hours every week.