[ilc]

From time to time, I'll get requests from my boss to do something, and he'll end by saying, "it's not a rush, when you have a chance." 30-60 minutes later, he's asking for it. If I were to answer him each time with, "what time frame do I have, or what time do you need it by," it would seem petty, since I could be asking him this each time.

The request also isn't large or important enough that I actually would ask for more spefics.

You might ask why I don't do the request right away, but for example, today, I was at lunch, and upon returning from lunch, was asked for said request, but had to work on an important weekly report.

So, what isn't a rush, turns out to be a rush. Hope this isn't too confusing.

[brian]

I don't think asking for a delivery timeline seems petty at all. In your situation, I'd ask when something needs to be done every time.

[jord0205]

Instead of asking for a timeline, if he says it isn't a rush tell him when you can have it to him. If that isn't soon enough, he'll let you know.

[NancyDru]

Originally Posted by jord0205

Instead of asking for a timeline, if he says it isn't a rush tell him when you can have it to him. If that isn't soon enough, he'll let you know.

I really like what you recommend here! I think I can use that here. Thank you.

Originally Posted by jord0205

Instead of asking for a timeline, if he says it isn't a rush tell him when you can have it to him. If that isn't soon enough, he'll let you know.

I like this answer best. This way you are letting your boss know you are on it and giving him a timeline so he knows when to expect it.

When I give my assistant work, I like that when she responds. It gives me confidence she is not going to 'put' it somewhere never to be seen again. Or sometimes she says, "You have given me this, this and this to do, which would you like me to do first?" It makes me stop and think about all the work I've given her and helps me keep things in perspective.