How to handle this?

Johnjones

I've been working at current company for a few months and with another individual whom does the same job. This person has been here for about 3 years and setup a lot of the systems.

The issue I'm running into is this individual is extremely private and awkward to the point where he's hoarding information and projects. Changes are made and not communicated to me. He gets upset if a project is assigned to me; control issues anyone? I'm very concerned because this is going to make me look bad if something happens or an issue comes up. It's already happened several times and I've asked him nicely to relay and communicate changes, but nothing has changed. Management is aware.

A typical day for me consists of 8 hours of quietness and tension in the office. How am I supposed to work with someone when we don't speak to one another?

quickman007

I'll be looking forward to the replies to this question. I'm in the exact same situation, so I know how much it sucks.

Hammer80

Since management is already aware, go into cover your own ass mode. Every email that you send him include your manager on it. Also start sending emails with delivery receipts and read receipts.

markulous

If you've already talked to management about this and they've done nothing, I'd do two things.

1. I'd document everything. Make sure every and all communications are done through email and that your manager is CC'd. Over-communciate everything. That way, you CYA and any time there's an issue from lack of information, you can point back to those emails and say, "Hey I said right here I had an issue and nothing was done to assist me".

2. I'd start preppping your resume for somewhere else. That doesn't sound like a good environment at all for numerous reasons.

Cyberscum

Johnjones wrote: »

He gets upset if a project is assigned to me; control issues anyone? I'm very concerned because this is going to make me look bad if something happens or an issue comes up.

How do you know this, has he told you he is upset with you?

Have a man to man with him. Let him know how you feel without being confrontational or offensive. Explain how all you really want is a positive working environment and support from him.

Maybe he is threatened by you, maybe he has social anxiety, maybe he lost his voice, maybe he is slowly going psychotic. The point is that you don't know why he is doing the things he is doing. So ask...

You would be surprised on how well effective communication works.