Our aerospace team has this pattern where the senior engineers always defer to Mark on thermal analysis decisions because he's been here longest, but his methods are outdated and we're getting suboptimal results on our propulsion systems. Everyone knows it but no one wants to challenge him directly, and I'm stuck because I'm the technical lead but not his manager.
More people experience this than they realize.
Everyone defers to the old-timer's outdated methods and no one, including you, will challenge him.
“Where Are You with Engineering — Mechanical & Aerospace?”
If this sounds familiar, the Library can help you find the bigger picture.