A bit lost

[Ivykaty44]

I have been given a project to do, I have to aswer to my line manager and also his line manager.

The project I have been given includes working in areas that I have no or little knowledge - I have managed to sort of teach myself some of it.

Both my line manager and his boss have no idea how to do the work in my project either - yet I have been told to do the work and when I have asked for advise been told "oh we dont know how that works but when you find out do let us know"

I have asked for external training - but this has been ignored.

What can I do, how should I handle this - any suggestion welcome?

I haven't got a lot of suggestions but I would suggest that you make an effort to cover yourself. Best case you manage to do this and teach yourself enough to satisfy your bosses, worst case the project is an abject failure and they blame you for it. I would recommend something in writing (maybe an email) documenting the areas where you don't feel that you have the knowledge or experience required. What mitigation steps could be taken e.g. training or better guidance. If the potential consequences could be serious you should make clear the risks if they want you to continue trying to do it without guidance or assistance. If you have to make a decision that you are not comfortable with document the options, make a recommendation and pass to them for guidance. Make it clear where you are not sure and where decisions you have taken may not be the best and force them to give you guidance, or at least document the fact that they haven't. e.g. after a conversation where they say "I don't care what you do, just do it" a quick email example

You "I don't know whether we should order sandwiches or soup"
Boss "I don't care what you order just get it done"

Then you should follow up the conversation with an email such as.

Further to our discussion where you left me to decide what we should have for lunch. I chose to go with the sandwiches since I didn't want you to spill soup on your pink shirt. Please let me know if you have any issue with this?

This gives you the cover that at each point you do not know how to proceed it is documented that you requested assistance or guidance. This just means that at the end if you did it all wrong they can't say they were unaware what you were doing and that you should have asked for help etc.

I think it's what the Americans call a CYA exercise. A pain but a useful tool when management abdicate their responsibilities to you without support.

thank you, I think getting some facts in emails is a good idea to cover my back

If they literally have no more knowledge in this area than you, then it's fair enough for them to say so. They should be a bit more supportive in helping you source more information or guidance though.

You have requested external training, but been 'ignored'. How has your request been ignored. Did you sit down with your manager, having found a suitable training course or similar, and ask if you could attend? Did he refuse, or what happened? On what basis?

If it's a budget issue with formal training on the subject, you will need to be a bit more creative in extending your knowledge. Obviously without knowing what it is it's difficult to make suggestions, but is there anyone else in the organisation who knows about this subject who could act as your mentor/guide during this project, for example, or anyone external for that matter?

Are there books, other subject material that you can use?

I would suggest you come up with a creative list of the support you feel would benefit you and enable you to complete this project to the best of your ability, request a meeting with your manager and propose a course of action to ensure you are equipped as best as possible.

thanks you flowery, I will try and come up with a list this weekend.