Last week was terribly frustrating. I am working on a high-profile project at work, and something that is critical to my segment. The group that is taking the lead on this project has deep expertise in most areas necessary to the success of the project, except for one area: knowledge of the segment to which we’re marketing. That’s where I’m supposed to add value, along with three or four other people with similar expertise.
Instead, however, the lead group won’t even talk to us. If we chime in on virtually any issue, we’re simply ignored. I have developed strong relationships with people in that lead group over the past two years, and now, when I open my mouth to contribute, all I get is condescension. Basically, instead of trying to collaboratively develop a program, I’m in an unnecessary turf war.
My only remaining tactic is to run and cry to "mommy" and "daddy" (two senior executives that have leverage over the group in question). Problem is, we’re not losing one or two big battles. We’re losing lots of skirmishes that are irrelevant by themselves. When I go to "mommy" and "daddy," they justifiably point out that each little bit isn’t important. Only once have I made any progress, because the position this group was taking, while valid along one narrow logical path, was utterly unjustifiable from a broader perspective.
It’s death by a thousand cuts.