I am so tempted to email the link to your page but, I know my chums will think I am acting strangely. For the first time in my life(52 years) I said “no” last night.

It was arranged, to suit one of the invitees that we would meet for dinner at 5pm. I was paying for one of the guests as he was on hard times. On my way to the dinner date at 4:20pm for a twenty minute journey, I got a text message saying that “We will see you at 6:45pm, no apologies, nowt. Along with the guest that was on hard times telling me earlier that he wasn’t coming as he had an emergency dental appointment and felt bad about me paying for his meal, I had, finally had enough and sent a text saying that I thought that they were rude, had no respect for me and I was sick of being abused.

The person that had insisted that we meet at 5pm has been late for the thirty eight years I have known her.

I went for a walk and had a dinner at home on my own. I was pleased that i had finally told them that i had had enough.

I felt so much better for doing so but was wondering if, perhaps it was ME and not them that had the problem.

After reading your fine words, at least three times this morning, I feel so much better.

Thank you.

Jez C Self

Rant 1).
I travelled 6 hours return via car, train, tube and foot to London for an interview (satellite position was closer to home) at the head office of KPMG. At my expense the interviewer met me at reception 20 minutes late with no apology and limp hand shake. I wasn’t expected at reception either. The interviewer then wouldn’t provide any information on the position and then had the cheek to ask me if I had any questions. She even left the interview twice as I was talking to speak to a colleague. She couldn’t be bothered to see me back to reception!

Although this is about an interview it shows the lack of professional manors and time management. If you don’t want to interview then don’t waste other peoples time and money.

Rant 2).
In my profession I deal with a lot of off shore work (technical people working abroad). The first 2 meetings result in late attendance (80%), delegation to people you don’t work on the project who are clueless with no input or just don’t turn up!!

During the 2 meetings & out side of the meeting I make it very clear what is expected. Consequently meetings going forward = all either inform me if they will be late, can’t make it with a delegated person who will take responsibility. I make it very clear to everyone regardless if “on or off shore” resources. YOU will be on time as you disturb everyone turning up late and can be replaced. Why do we think we are all expendable & self important to think we can turn up when we like. I may sound harsh but unless you start as you mean to go on I.e professional: my project becomes out of control to deliver tasks & eventually political and over complex with too many excuses why things aren’t completed on time. As an interim Project Manager I know too well that IT resources, including me are expendable!!