Me (junior) working on something specific/concrete; actually doing something. Gets stuck and goes to lead with specific question.
me: hey lead, if we have x, does y need to be included as well?
lead: yes, no, maybe, random bla.
me, tries to summarize and extract a to-do: oke... so based on 'yes, no, maybe random bla' you suggest adding y right about here?
lead: maybe bla and we have to think about it, yes, random bla. Try whatever feels right to you.
Me walks back to desk. Decides to support a charity, help refugees and homeless people CAUSE THAT FEELS RIGHT!

That's it?

I mean, he could do what I do and say to your face "I don't know what to do either." I hate beating around the bush. If I don't fucking know something, I don't fucking know something, and I feel it's more productive for you to know that regardless of status if we're on a team - especially if I'm the lead. Making shit up is useless.

If you're like me and there's no directions, fuck it, make some up, long as you know your endgame. What would you do if it were a personal project? Do that but cover up any inconsistencies between that and your company's workflow. If all goes well, it will be as if nothing ever happened.

If the lead isn't stepping up to bat, you and your colleagues need to band up. I'm getting the impression this is common in the workplace: No direction and shit flying everywhere. Cut through the shit, and make sure the job gets done with or without the assigned leader.

It's this stuff I'm gonna keep in mind when I go job hunting after college...if I'm wrong and there's a better way to handle this situation, let me know. Dealing with rogue superiors is something I'm undoubtedly gonna run up against at some point. At this point I feel it's actually almost guaranteed.