People - even the boss - have to understand that deadlines mean just that - they are the last possible deadline.
Would suggest you have a 'false' deadline - ie about a week or so before your real deadline (or whatever works for whatever the project is)
I am currently handling a brochure reprint for a client and so far we have gone to two deadlines for everyone to get the information in. I send out real tongue in the cheek emails saying things like ... I'm not a mind reader and if you don't tell me, I don't know...
I'm not in a position to move on because this is a client. But you're an employee with the company for a while and like you say, should be able to make and take decisions in the best interests.
As for today's incident, sit down calmly with bossie and remind him you'd been eminding him since he first had the documentation, and that while you appreciate he is busy, he needs to make time to take the decision on these things, or you will do it - after all, they trusted you enough to give you the responsiblity for their marketing. If they have that trust, they should also trust that you will make the right decisions about projects - however scary that prospect may be to you.
Stick your ground, grit your teeth and make sure they know that you MEAN what you say. A few threats carried out and you will hopefully find that they meet deadlines in future... but I would continue with false deadlines no matter how good they get at meeting them.
Jackie, Peer Moderator
www.iqps.org
