You've Got To Know When To Hold 'Em

It has happened to most of us at some point in our careers. We work hard on a project or idea, only to have a colleague take the credit. As tempting as it may be, a confrontation is not the way to go. Chalk the first time up as a lesson learned. The best way to deal with this is to keep your boss in the loop and updated on the project so that your contributions are obvious.

But what if the credit napper is your boss? That situation is tough, but not hopeless. Ask if you can attend the meetings where the idea/project will be discussed. At some point, before they take full credit, add a comment, but try leading with "As we discussed earlier, Bob..." Others will realize that you did make a contribution and that you can add value to the discussion.

What I found most common in my case is that I would offer an idea only to be told that it wouldn't work or that it wasn't in line with our strategy. Only to attend a meeting where someone two job titles and three pay scales above me would offer the same suggestion. In that case, try saying something like, "I think that would work. And what if we...(now add in your perspective) while your boss or colleagues are trying to pick up their faces, you'll be able to demonstrate your flexibility and possibly build a strategic relationship.

Here's another strategy, when your boss asks you for ideas, suggestions or input, be forthcoming and supportive but don't give away the store. Give a brief suggestion, but add "I'll need some time to think it through". I asked an executive about this at a recent conference and her response was, "You don't always have to shine". It's important to be a team player, but if you always provide ideas for others to use, they'll do just that. Keep a few ideas in your pocket. Sooner than later, you'll get your chance to shine.