[Karen Loughman]

I need some serious help with this problem. One of the principals of my firm is working on a project with someone from a different city, so the consultant calls quite a bit. The principal isn't in the office quite often, and I have been asked not to route calls to the principal's helper on the project. The consultant is very friendly and somewhat manipulative in trying to get me to send his call to the helper whenever the principal is out of the office. He's quite persistent also and will call again if he doesn't get a response pretty quickly.

The principal is quite a busy guy, and doesn't really have time to devote to the one project, since he has quite a few projects going at the same time. But that consultant....he sure sues up a lot of my time trying to get to the helper.

If anyone has any suggestions on how to nicely deal with the consultant when the principal isn't in, I would love to hear them!

[Robin Holtson]

In part, you've answered your question. Deal with him nicely, but also ask him if there's anything you can help with. Get as much information from him about what he needs from your boss, tell him you will do what you can to get an answer for him. When he calls back, be cordial and explain that you don't have an answer for him. It sounds to me as though he is trying to wear you down - stay firm, but polite.