Yeah, bothers me for that reason as well. I'm actually very... structured when it comes to protocol and directions on the job or at school. I tend to need exact directions and follow them to a T to stay on track or do what needs to be done correctly.
Perfect example: I'm doing some intern work for an organization and the person in charge is great--just changes their mind a lot. I get one set of directions, I follow those and then when I hand a project in, it's changed by the person.. The very stuff they told me they wanted they changed. lol. Which bothers me because yeah, I'm not sure what to do then! It makes me question my competence. I was so upset over it I talked to my bf about it and we was getting mad and saying, "This person is egotistical and flaky etc. etc.." He took it personally and was offended on my behalf..but I wasn't mad at the person.. I like this person and can kinda understand that they operate in a more free form manner.. Just wish they'd be consistent.