What to do about a coworker who is always unreachable or behind schedule?

Question

I work with someone who is always late with information I need to do my job on time. He doesn't return his calls or emails and is sometimes MIA so I can't reach him at all. He is above me in the pecking order in our office so I can't confront him about it. He has made me late several times recently with work I have to get finished on deadline, because I'm waiting for him to get back to me. I am not supposed to work overtime and I can't let my boss find out that I sometimes have to work for free when this guy makes me late. The work still has to get done on time so I do what I have to. Sometimes I just make a decision without his input and sometimes that works, but sometimes I make a mistake because of it and then get yelled at by my boss. She knows about this guy too, everyone does, but her attitude is "deal with it".

Any thoughts?

? · Accepted Answer

When faced with a similar situation a counter part with the same management title I simply started sending reminder emails each month, The word Reminder: Due in Two Days was in the subject line of the email, to the person stating the information/reports due no later than close of business the day prior to the deadline, depending upon the time you need to complete the report or by Noon on the deadline date. I then, had no other choice, copied my manager under blind cc. This way I had proof of being proactive in securing the info building a case even if he does not read his emails you retain and print copies along with the receipt copy he received the email. It eventually worked to my advantage when a critical deadline was not met and I pulled out the reminder emails and the receipt copies he was eventually reprimanded and left the job. Good Luck!.

Shines · Answer

First, don't work off the clock.  Your company doesn't want you to, but if it is discovered they must pay you overtime. It's the law.  Level with your boss about every time Mr. Country Club doesn't give you what you need to complete your work on time.  This man's poor behavior is not your business to correct or "deal with", it is management's job to correct this guy's poor work.  Don't let your boss dump the responsibility on you.  That is wrong.  When you cannot meet a deadline because of him, it will also be a reflection on your boss.

jupiteress · Answer

When he holds you back go to your boss and ask for the o/t necessary to get the job finished and you don't know when the info will come in.  Let her deal with it. You can speak to him about it telling him to speak to your boss about the o/t needed to get this work finished. If he ignores you go to the boss for the o/t.

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What to do about a coworker who is always unreachable or behind schedule?

3 Answers