Team work isn't making the dream work

[TheZanyScroller]

I'll keep this as concise as possible.

I'm working full time in a job I started just under a year ago.

I work in a team of 2 and my colleague is the senior of the 2 of us.

The job doee haven't have formal training but I have managed well so far by learning on the job, taking notes and asking for assistance when needed yp fill in gaps and improve my knowledge and skills.

Lately, my senior colleague has been given incorrect information and I know this because a manager confirmed this and told me it was an incorrect process that was being followed. She informed of the correct procedure tp use instead.

Today my senior colleague attempted tp justify why he set a different process. He made zero sense but still doubled down. Anyway, he said I should do what I feep like doing.

I can't work him out as he confuses me. He's all about following due process usually but when he gets something wrong it's as if it never happened. He has zero acccountability.

He seems to wing it get results but I can't work like that. I find it confusing and it makes me feel I am stupid.

One day a process is correct and we must be steadfast at adhereing to it. Another day, just be flexible and do what I thik is right and use common sense. When I use common sense he has tild me to check my notes amd follow the process.

He's deliberately beong an arsehole. When I feedback about the impact of a process not being follpwed which has a negative consequence, he is dismissive and tells me not to worry about it.

I am finding it a challenge to work with him because he is full of shit especially lately.

The job search has started as I have had enough. I can't speak to anyone at work because his shit doesn't stink and he can do no wrong.

I am diagnosed neurodivergent of which he knows and I thrive pn clear imstuctions and imformation. This game playing isn't helpful in my job role or my learning and certainly not conducive tp me wellbeing.

I'm trying tp gond a job best suited to how my brain works. Any advice about that is welcome.

If you wish to share, what workplace encounters have made you want to leave your job your job?

When you say neurodivergent, which specifically do you mean?

TBH OP, what you describe would make me want to leave.

That sort of floaty approach and lack of clarity would drive me nuts (and I'm not ND, just like a clear structure).

Are the processes documented, other than in your notes? If not, I would focus on getting that done - it's something I've done everywhere I worked, if things weren't already documented, because it means I don't have to remember. Also, if you're the one who documents things, you have some say in how things are done, as most people won't argue if it means they don't have to do any documentation...

Once documented and agreed, that is the process to follow. This doesn't mean things can't change, but they need to be discussed and agreed and documentation updated.

It means that everyone can check the process, not just your own notes.

It depends on your working environment to some extent - I need to show that processes are followed and we keep to SLAs and so on - we could be audited on it. Not everywhere will have that sort of need for compliance, but if you're doing the same tasks regularly, why would you do it differently every time? It's quicker to follow a set process.

Hi Blimms, I'm autistic but i generally funtion well with clear instructions and communication. My struggle is my colleague keep changing his mind about how a task can be done, I do it and it still isn't right. I find it hard to progress as it seems his attitude is keeping in my place.

I am more than capable and have positive feedback feom other managers and team mates at work. I don't know what his problem is.

Thank you for reply TeawiththeMockinjay.

Clear processes and communication are basic requirements to do a job. I've had enough. Even today he commented on ke not being myself yesterday because I raised concerns about lack of communication. He's a gaslighter. Sounds a strong word to describe him but he plays down my feedback even when given consrucrively. I don't feel valued and certainly not respected. Hence my job search. I am tempted to just leave but bills need paying so I'm setting goal to get the heck out of there.

Thanks for replying Ebearhug.

When I started my job he was clear on the processes. I have documented them and that's why I challenge them when I'm askes to dp so. It's not the company process that changes, it's my colleague who changes them. He is the head of my team albeit only 2 of us. He has free reign to do what he needs to do to the job done. Which means he changes processes on a whim to suit is situation which is wrong.

The team I work no one else knows it in depth in the company so he can pretty much do what he wants within reason. He's a maverick which, as time gpes by, isn't aligned with my work ethic and values.

Yeah, if that's what he's like, I'd look for a new job. I left my last job after 5 months because the manager was a micromanager. But it's a difficult market out there right now, so you might need strategies to survive the time till you can leave. (Pushing him downstairs shouldn't be included.)