I work in a very specialized field (content strategy, if you know, you know) that overlaps with another team in a related field (user experience).

Anonymous

September 14,2022 at 12:17AM UTC

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I work in a very specialized field (content strategy, if you know, you know) that overlaps with another team in a related field (user experience). I have been trying to collaborate with this team for about two years (I have 15 years experience in this other field), setting meetings, offering help, asking for help, sharing my research, etc. It became clear they were not interested in working with me, despite my manager and her manager making it clear that they were supposed to do so. My manager finally asked to work with them on an intranet project, so I asked them for some client research and other background information. The team lead responded with an angry email telling me that I was not to work on the project, and that I could see the documents, but only after attending an onboarding meeting. Is it time to just make an exit plan? do I continue trying to educate my work is valuable? Is my manager setting me up to fail so they can just let me go? Am I being a big baby, or should I run for the hills?

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AnonymousSeptember 14,2022 at 2:02AM UTC
If you've given it your best shot, which it seems like you have, I think it's time to cut and run. The other team won't work with you for some reason so it's time to find someone who does value you and see your work for what it is. Of course, it's easy to say that as an anonymous person on the internet who doesn't have to job hunt, but I'm not sure staying there is a viable option.
AnonymousSeptember 14,2022 at 4:15AM UTC
I need to understand why they are so vehemently opposed to working with you? What happened that you're not including in your post. This such a strong reaction.
Did they agree to work with your manager? If so, why?
JenniferSeptember 15,2022 at 4:35AM UTC
I'm sorry you're dealing with this. It's totally understandable to feel frustrated, rejected or marginalized. I don't think your boss is setting you up to fail so she can get rid of you, though. You didn't give any indication that she is displeased with you nor that she is inclined to orchestrate a malicious and underhanded multi-departmental subterfuge.
When you say that boss and her boss made it clear UX was supposed to work with you, did they make it to clear to you or to UX? Does your manager have the authority to insert you into the project?
At this point, I think you should message boss and let her know that you're forwarding her an email from UX team lead. Lead has stated that you are not permitted to work on the project, and you would like to know how to proceed. Then let her handle it. When one department refuses to partner with another because "This is MY sandbox!" that's leadership's job to sort out one way or the other.
Also, you don't need to continue to trying to prove that your work is valuable to a team that will not allow you collaborate. At this point, you are trying in earnest to prove your worth to the mean girls. The mean girls are mean because they suck, not because you're unworthy. If the teacher wants you to be on mean girls' team for the group project, she is going to have to make them.
Good luck.