My boss offered me a big project but it means working with a guy who never listens

So my manager pulled me aside yesterday and asked if I wanted to lead this new client rollout. It's a huge deal for our team, and honestly, a great chance to show what I can do. The catch is, I'd have to partner with this other guy from the marketing side, let's call him Dave. We've worked together before on smaller stuff, and every single time, it's like talking to a wall. I'll suggest a plan, he'll nod, and then go do his own thing without telling anyone. I had to choose between taking the project and dealing with that headache, or saying no and maybe missing out. I said yes, because the opportunity was too good to pass up, but now I'm already stressed about our first meeting next week. How do you guys handle a partner who just won't listen or follow a plan? Do you just do your own part and hope for the best?

3 comments

3 Comments

william_garcia24d ago

Honestly Dave might just need a clearer role on this project. Try giving him one specific job he owns completely.

vera_robinson3624d ago

What if you made his specific job something that feeds directly into your part? Like, his task has to be done first for your part to even start. That way he can't just wander off, because you're waiting on him. It forces a bit of a handoff and makes him accountable to the timeline.

stone.lisa24d ago

Feeds directly into my part" sounds great in theory. But with Dave, that just means I get to stare at a blank screen for three days while he "thinks about his approach." Then I have to rush my part in two hours. Been there, done that, got the stress headache.