I was offered a new job last month, which I accepted.

Anonymous

November 16,2022 at 4:22PM UTC

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I was offered a new job last month, which I accepted. Once I started, I learned that I would be involved in a critical project with an aggressive deadline. However, despite that I am not the project manager (it wouldn't solve anything if I were), this project would not be moving forward if I weren't limping along. I cannot get my team, including the PM, to respond to my questions or request for information in a timely or helpful manner. A whole day can go by without a response. We do meet, but no decisions are made, only discussed. There does seem to be a reluctance to make decisions, which I've seen elsewhere. Seems to be a new trend. The software vendor is helping us with some customization, but not the whole implementation.

This is also a new industry for me. There is so much that I don't know, but most has to do with my being new. I was invited to a weekly status meeting with the operations dept VP and others. Each time we meet, I'm reminded how important this project is, and that we must meet the aggressive deadline. We have no internal project plan, just a few tasks in a project management platform. I don't have the back story. I have tried to create even a simple status sheet but I don't have all the details. I have added many more tasks to the pm platform, but I cannot assign people or dates, because I don't know enough info to do so. But my biggest issue is getting the information I need and getting people to work on critical tasks.

How can I address this without complaining or pointing fingers? I am so concerned about meeting the deadline and I cannot do it alone. Thanks in advance for your help.

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AnonymousNovember 16,2022 at 5:23PM UTC
Document your requests in email and chats. Show the trend of the lack of shared information and direction. The Project Manager will take the heat and if your requests are frequent and documented with great detail and context there is no reason to worry. The deadlines are there abd everyone is very aware if them so tie your requests to the milestones and deadlines you've been given.
Barb HansenNovember 16,2022 at 6:00PM UTC
Note:
I have worked on projects that were never meant to succeed and the executive sponsors were absolutely fine with the project failing. Unfortunately, most of the team members didn't know that failure was an option and most of us stressed out to create success that only we cared about. You might want to think about whether or not you are on one of those projects.
Now onto answering your post:
Ugh, you're in a horrible situation (yes, of course, responds the OP)
I think this is what I would do (not knowing every nuance of your situation)...
I would meet with the Executive Sponsor of this project. I'm assuming there is an executive sponsor for this project and that this person is also looking out for the success of the project (see my note above).
I would have a frank conversation with the Executive Sponsor that I was concerned about the project success for Reason 1, 2, 3. I would keep my personal issues with any particular team member out of the conversation and stick to the facts.
I would mention that I didn't want to throw anyone under the bus, and I didn't want to be the poster child for any disruptions.
I would present a path for this Executive Sponsor to find the answers they need (without dragging you into the issue).
Good luck, I don't envy your position and I hope you find a resolution that works for you.
AnonymousNovember 17,2022 at 2:56PM UTC
Thanks! I have no personal issues with my teammates. I just don't understand the overall assumption that this will all get done without people having the time to do it. It's like we all live in a world where things magically get done. I wish I lived there, but I don't. I'm only worried that I will be thrown under the bus. Just a gut feeling.
Barb HansenNovember 17,2022 at 4:16PM UTC
Trust your gut!
Crystal HowellNovember 16,2022 at 8:14PM UTC
Seems the PM is overwhelmed and can't do the job, you should step up and talk to the others for ideas, even if you have to go to their desks and take notes. Set up meeting with PM and operations dept VP, and suggest the ideas that were presented. Ask questions, even if you know the answers, it's make them think! Good Luck!
Liz MilneNovember 27,2022 at 1:10AM UTC
This sounds like a conversation to be having with the project manager: why isn't there a plan, who's meant to be managing the project timetable, and can you help with any of it (by which I mean the manager gives you authority to insist on timely answers and backs you up when you raise issues of non-compliance or delay). It all sounds like a nightmare, and my nasty suspicious mind would be wondering why I'm being pushed on the aggressive deadline without the authority to do anything about it? I'd be wondering if I'm being scapegoated somehow??? Good luck, though, hope it improves...