How many times can you get away with using annual leave as a excuse for failing to respond in a timely manner/delays?
For context I have been in discussions with a third party for over a year! I was anticipating we would have the issue resolved within 4 months, ideally sooner.
At every stage the person I am in communication with is saying things such
'I'll take a look when I get back from annual leave at the end of next week'
Sorry for the delay, I've been on leave and only returned 2 days ago. Ive been in back to back meetings since. I'm off again until 2nd October, I will take a look then.
This has not been once or twice but at least 15 times over the past year
So far I've gritted my teeth and remained polite but it's getting ridiculous. Does he ever work? If he's away so often surely he should delegate tasks to someone else? I'm being left in limbo waiting.
The cherry on the cake that pushed me over the edge was that he gave me a 2 week deadline to respond to a a report. I had to do a mountain of work and got back to him ahead of the deadline l. He then replied he'd look at it on 2nd of October (see above). I just find that rude!
I have always replied within 2-3working days. All the delays are on their side
Am I being unreasonable to think that annual leave can be used as an excuse once or twice but after that it's just ridiculous?
Does anyone have any comebacks? I need to remain professional but if he keeps stringing me along i am going to explode!
Thank you!