So, here I am sitting at my desk waiting for a phone call. Unfortunately, this is not an unusual circumstance. The person I am waiting on has done this to me so many times my wife doesn't want to hear it any more. Her response when I bring it up is, "well, this isn't the first time and until you stop doing work with this individual it won't be the last time." I must agree with her.

This is a horrible example of a business relationship. One which, except for some final documents, is over and done.

Still, those last documents never seem to be completed. More than a week ago we met and I was informed that I was missing an invoice which this person ahd previously provided to me. Well, I know I'm not the neatest person in the world, but I also know that this matter is important and I have kept every piece of paper even remotely related to it in one spot. So, we weren't able to finalize documents. This was on a Friday.

After looking through all of the related documents the person I'm working with finally stated, "I'll just have to run you another copy of that invoice. But, I can't do it over the weekend. Are you available on Monday?"

After quickly consulting my calendar we set an appointment for late Monday morning.

Monday morning came and went. Monday afternoon came and went. No phone call, no meeting, nothing. Tuesday was the same as was Wednesday. Thursday I left town for a long weekend. Upon returning Sunday evening I checked, no message. Finally yesterday, Tuesday more than a week after our appointment, I got a phonecall. "I forgot all about our meeting last Monday and then we went on vacation, so, sorry. When are you available?" I could tell from the tone of voice I was expected to drop everything and be available right then.

Glancing at my calendar I replied, "I'm on my way to a meeting now so today's not good. I can be available tomorrow after a morning meeting. Say 10:30 or so. " We left it that I would get a call about 11:00 AM to make sure I was back from my meeting and we would meet then.

Well, it is now 11:40 AM. At 11:30 I gave in and called, I have other things to get done today and I don't want to sit around waiting. I was told we could meet in an hour.

So, we shall see.

This raises the question, when did it become okay to treat others, especially those we are working with, in such an impolite manner? In my dealings with others I try to follow through and deliver the things I have offered. In order to accomplish that goal I have more than once turned down work because I didn't think I could accomplish what was requested.

I guess what I'm thinking of used to be called common courtesy and common sense. Two things, I am constantly reminded, that are not at all common anymore.