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>>I've been given a task I don't know how to do. So I'm working diligently on learning enough about it. >>...Is that good? Bad? Whether that's good or bad dep

>>I've been given a task I don't know how to do. So I'm working diligently on learning enough about it. >>...Is that good? Bad? Whether that's good or bad depends, but at the end of the day the important thing is that you should communicate the status fully to the person who assigned you the task, rather than obfuscate it by saying things like "still working on it" or "it's a bit trickier than I thought". Being assigned tasks you don't know how to do is fine. It's how you grow as a professional. However, there is a fine line between a task you don't know how to do but can learn in a reasonable amount of time, vs. a task you don't know how to do and can't learn in a reasonable amount of time. The latter, in my experience, is what results in the "Canary MacGuffin" scenarios Rachel describes, and it can be frustrating for everyone involved. Ultimately, the responsibility for figuring out the difference lies with the team lead or scrum master or whoever assigns tasks in your company. But they need you do be transparent with your level of skill and knowledge to be able to do that.

AndyNemmity 8y ago
I have communicated with no response given. I'm not obfuscating anything, and have spoken to other coworkers about the issues asking their help as well to understand context. The key is that I have to continue to communicate even with a lack of response. That is my responsibility, to not take a lack of response as an excuse to stop communicating.
- iamdave 8y ago
  Do you have someone who resides above these coworkers or coworker who you can appeal to for support and guidance? I realize this may be a painful step to take but you can't nor should you allow your employer to see your lack of productivity and effectiveness on the team because you aren't getting the help needed from seasoned team members leaving you to suffer on an island.

AndyNemmity 8y ago

I have communicated with no response given. I'm not obfuscating anything, and have spoken to other coworkers about the issues asking their help as well to understand context. The key is that I have to continue to communicate even with a lack of response. That is my responsibility, to not take a lack of response as an excuse to stop communicating.

iamdave 8y ago
Do you have someone who resides above these coworkers or coworker who you can appeal to for support and guidance? I realize this may be a painful step to take but you can't nor should you allow your employer to see your lack of productivity and effectiveness on the team because you aren't getting the help needed from seasoned team members leaving you to suffer on an island.