What To Do When You’re Left Out Of The Team Loop

I am the only female in the team of advisers. We have small team. My role is Change Management and Institutional development. My roles and responsibilities are not clear in the project perspective. I have shared this many times, but there is a blame from the leadership that I am not professionally capable. My acceptance to the team is also compromised as they are not clear about my role so they do not pay attention to keeping me in loop for any communication. The team leader, who has a role of mentoring is a foreign expert, does not communicate with me, and keeps on ignoring me. How can I tell my other colleagues to to listen me and work with me unless team leader clarifies my role? He does not give me clear and straight instructions/suggestions/advice to move on in right direction.

The Team Doc Says…

It appears to me that your team and team leader are purposefully leaving you out of the loop. This is not a good indicator of continuing employment. You may want to strongly consider looking for a position at a company that will value what you have to offer.

That said, if you wish to stay, you will have to resolve this issue yourself and it will take extra energy and effort on your part. Rather than complaining to your team leader that your role is not clear (because it’s not getting you anywhere), take the bull by the horns and set up time to talk with each team member to find out how you can help them have a successful outcome.

Your conversation should include how you see your role, for example, “Since my role is change management and institutional development, I think it’s important that we make sure that all employees are on board when it comes to the important work you do on this team. I want to make that happen. How can I help you do that?” Then you need to develop an action plan and get it done.

Some proof of success should help build confidence in the other team members and with your team leader that you are indeed capable of the job and can excel at it. Make sure you keep track of your successes and continue to interact with each team member to maintain an open communication loop.

Anyone else have additional suggestions? Please leave a comment.