My colleague

[girlie219]

I work on a project where myself and a colleague are seen as joint project coordinators in a team of four people. We are also part of a wider team of around 10-15 people which have regular meetings. At a recent meeting the person running the meeting asked for an update on the project and asked my colleague specifically and didn't acknowledge me. Although I didn't say anything I was quite put out - am I right to be upset about it?

[DN]

Is this an ongoing issue?

[Lovelace]

If the meeting organizer only ever addresses your coworker regarding your joint projects, then it's a problem. If the meeting organizer does communicate with you regularly, but only asked one of you for an update at the meeting, then they were just being logical. Both of you cannot talk at once, and so, they just picked one to give the entire update.

[PaintWithLight]

I work on a project where myself and a colleague are seen as joint project coordinators in a team of four people. We are also part of a wider team of around 10-15 people which have regular meetings. At a recent meeting the person running the meeting asked for an update on the project and asked my colleague specifically and didn't acknowledge me. Although I didn't say anything I was quite put out - am I right to be upset about it?

 

This is a fairly common dynamic within a joint project. Management may think that one of the coordinators is the person on point. To insure that you are recognized for your contribution, you will have to be smart about making your voice heard. Do not get in a twist over this but be more aware of how you can provide feedback.

 

This is project politics and you have to learn how to play them well. I have been part of a team where one person wanted to email every idea to management so it appeared that he was the top dog. Fortunately, this project is not forever and most times, management rewards and recognizes all team members as equals. Do not blow this up or get angry. Get smart instead. Good luck.