TLDR: Overworked lead hasn't replied to an email requesting feedback. Manager required that I incorporate their feedback. Manager will soon ask Why I didn't incorporate feedback. Door 1 (Tell manager I never received feedback from lead upon request). Door 2 (Tell Manager you guys are overworking this lead to the point they have no time to help).
My lead is under a lot of pressure to complete her own tasking, so I understand that she wasn't able to assist me.
My manager specifically said he wants me to complete this specific task with the help of my lead. To not complete it alone.
I emailed my lead and got no response. She probably never even read my email. She literally just needed to approve or provide any feedback.
If I pressure her too much, I fear that it'll impact our working relationship. Which right now, I value a lot.
She gives off goodie-two-shoe vibes, so the old, “Hey, I finished it, I'll let the manager know you helped, just say that you did, in case he asks” isn't likely to work as one would hope.
When I sit down with my manager, I know he's gonna ask if I received assistance from my lead, my only defense is, “I emailed her and got no response”. What I want to say, “Maybe if management wasn't pressing down on her shoulders all the time she'd have more time to help”.
She's my gateway to job security, if I pit management against her, or put any blame on her, she won't forget it and it'll likely ruin our working relationship.