RE: Work, you might not have the authority to compel people to do things, but you can make it easier for them to do what you need than keep ignoring you. Kepp asking them about it, use the power of annoyance and guilt to your advantage!

Also, make sure your boss knows what the hold up is. When you email these people asking for stuff, CC the boss. Frankly, its your bosses fault if he knows you’re behind held up by people you have no control over. He should be taking it up with their managers and trying to help you get your work done, imo.

But yeah, it sucks to be in those situations. I’m kinda in the opposite position right now; people complain to me about stuff, but my boss won’t let me fix it or fix it himself. Frustrating.