Help with a work issue- (long)

I just started this new job and my project lead (he's a step down from my manager) is a complete jerk. First of all he works the oddest hours comes in anywheere from 11am-3pm and will work until 10pm at night. So basically he's only here half teh day I work. And he's always busy running around like crazy. But I have heard if you don't talk to him he's feels you are not communicating with him. Now he never talks to my pawned me off on somebody else in my group and I am suppose to talk to him? I think since he didn't have a say in hiring me he's annoyed, long story, but i got transferred to this department as soon as i started. How do i approach him, what do i talk about. I would rather just ignore him but since he has a say in our yearly raises, I just can't ignore him.
TIA

Message edited 5/4/2007 1:18:14 PM.

Re: Help with a work issue- (long)

Tough situation, sorry it sounds difficult. Can you set up a formal meeting with him next week? Sit down and tell him how happy you are to be in his department, you understand it was a change, but you're looking forward to it blah,blah blah - what are his expectations, etc.? At least this way, even if you send him a formal email invitation for the meeting you are covering yourself and showing you tried.

Re: Help with a work issue- (long)

Basically I have some major kissing up to do. Honestly I could care less if I have to talk to him everybody else in my group is so nice, including my manager.
I guess meeting with him is the way to go, now the only problem is sometimes he never shows up for work and has no set schedule so i'll just have to stop him when i see him. How did this guy become a lead is my question.