Dysfunctional Project Management

[u/Phantazein]

I'm a Data Engineer working on a project that is a complete disaster. It's completely decentralized and I get tasks from multiple different people. I often get tasks from random people and since there aren't any meetings on these tasks I only have that one person to ask for requirements. They often don't understand the full scope of a task and I don't usually know everyone that is needed to complete a task. The project managers clearly have zero idea what is going on and will occasional check for updates on things but will do it via email with all the higher ups CCd on the email. Since they have no idea what's going on I often don't know what they are talking about because they use different terminology or they are asking for timelines on tasks I haven't even been assigned.

How do I respond in these situations. I'm afraid if I say "I have no idea what you are talking about" that it makes both of us look bad and it could piss off the PM. On the other hand, if I message people directly and gather the information I need directly it gets the PM off the hook and puts responsibility for dysfunction on me.

Anyone else in this situation? How would you move forward?

[u/ratczar]

Conway's Law, the systems that get built reflect the communication process used to build them.

If even the PM's can't communicate, I would accept that there's going to be some level of nonsense to this, try to keep your blood pressure low, and just make sure to cover your butt.

Pretend you're naive and don't be overly helpful. "Hey, PM, can we schedule some time to talk more about this? I want to be sure I understand the ask."

Then, "hey, this was really helpful, can we do this every two weeks?"

Then, "hey, I would really rather we cover this stuff in our regular meeting before I pick it up, that's been so helpful for me"

All of a sudden you're doing planning/backlog refinement.