I am in a quandary.

[Rainbowreflect]

I have been trying to get help from a coworker for over a week.

This is information I can only get from this person & I need it to complete a couple of projects that are on hold until then.

This coworker has been "too busy" to give me a half an hour of time, but this morning I have an email from her that she needs something from me ASAP & it is "an emergency".

Oh what to do, what to do?????

[madmom]

1. tell her your to busy doing the work you needed her help with.

[arwalden]

2. Don't Acknowledge Her Request...

Just send her an email restating your request using language and phrases that are as close as possible to her email.

Cut and paste HER email text and make just enough edits, replacing the appropriate words and phrases so that YOUR request for assistance from her is re-requested (but leaving everything else so she'll recognize her own words).

Good luck.

-- Allen

[Rainbowreflect]

3. I like the way you think!

[Mairead]

4. Don't do anything cutesy or hostile, just be clear with her.

You didn't mention what the priorities are for your projects, now on hold. Did you give her that information when you asked for time with her?

She might very well have been in fire-fighting mode all week, and genuinely unable to feel comfortable giving you the half-hour you need. But if your projects are also tight-deadline, then you had a legitimate claim--but only if you let her know.

So, presuming that your projects are also important with tight deadlines, and you did let her know that, then in your place now I'd gently and pleasantly remind her that you have had work on hold for a week because she's been too busy to spare time for you, and I'd suggest a trade, with her going first since you asked first.

If your projects aren't all that pressing, or they are but you didn't let her know that they are, then in your place I'd still suggest a trade ...but without first 'giving guilt'.

Oh, and if she resists the suggestion, I'd convert it from suggestion to demand--but still phrased pleasantly and gently.

Hope that helps!

[Rainbowreflect]

6. I would be more likely to buy her "too busy" excuse if every time

I walked by her office she did not have someone in there talking about family & what they did that weekend.
Unfortunately I cannot demand because although she is not my boss she does have a "superior" position.

[Mairead]

8. hmmmm....

I suppose I don't really understand what your respective positions are, if she's not your supe but you can't demand that you trade information. By 'demand' I only meant that, if she resists your suggestion, then you let her know that you'll be too busy as long as she's too busy.

Of course, if your respective positions are such that she can block your projects but you dare not block hers, then in your place I'd update my resumé and start looking right away, because you're in a no-win situation that signifies a sick, dangerous organisation. You need to escape such a place asap because you're at risk of being scapegoated and tossed out of the sleigh. Which is something you positively don't need in this economic climate!

[flvegan]

5. Set an appointment with her (via Outlook or otherwise).

When she accepts, hold her to it. If she doesn't accept, ask her why and when a good time would be. You just need to pin her down.

That, or when you answer her request, do so face to face and request at that time an hour to sit down to go over this information. Again, hold her to it.

[Onlooker]

7. How about this

Tell her, "Let's get together in an hour, and you can give me what I need and I can help you with what you need." If she doesn't come through after an hour, tell her you can't help her because you have to gather the info yourself that she isn't providing.