Is someone stealing your thunder?

Ragini Gulati

As professionals most of us have gone through the experience of colleagues taking credit for our work. Although a common phenomenon at any workplace, the reasons behind this unethical behaviour may vary. Either the employee concerned feels threatened or lacks competence to achieve desired results.

While one-off incidents should preferably be ignored, but stand up for yourself when it becomes a practice. Talk to the person with an unbiased mind and allow him to express his viewpoint freely. Gently, apprise such colleagues that their non-professional attitude is objectionable and shall not be tolerated. Maintain a record by documenting emails, memos, etc. to create proof of your work. Alternately, go public with your ideas to deter co-workers from claiming those as their own.

Here’s how to deal with credit stealing colleagues tactfully to get the recognition that you truly deserve.

Assess the situation

The foremost step to deal with workplace betrayal is assessing the situation. Before jumping to any conclusion take a moment to evaluate the facts. There is a possibility that the colleague unintentionally took credit for your work.

Moreover, you may have received incorrect information about the circumstances. Carefully write down the contributions made by each team member towards an assignment. Also, find out the truth from reliable sources rather than believing whatever you hear.

This will allow you to calm down and understand things with more clarity. Most importantly, consider the negative impact of the co-worker’s unethical tactics on your career. Review the issue with a balanced mind and decide further course of action accordingly.

Seek clarification

When a colleague passes your work as his own, speak to him immediately. While it is natural to feel infuriated, give the other person a chance to explain his conduct. Arrange a meeting with the employee in a secluded corner to ensure privacy. Start the dialogue on a positive note by discussing the specifics of the project. Refrain from using confrontational language or accusatory tone during the conversation. Politely bring to the co-worker’s attention that you rightfully deserve the recognition. Also, strongly communicate that their behaviour is unacceptable.

Speak to the co-worker in person to clear the air as well as avert the possibility of repetition in the future.

Document your work

One of the best techniques to safeguard your work is documentation. Whether colleagues repeatedly take credit for your efforts or once in a while, maintain a record.

Make it a habit to document everything, particularly relating to important assignments. Likewise, add a small footer to the ideas that you have developed as well progress reports. Take out time to file all correspondence, including letters, emails and memos systematically.

Additionally, mark your supervisor on all the emails that you exchange with team members. It will assist you to create a trail of your accomplishments that can serve as evidence when the need arises. Document your interactions to discourage colleagues from taking credit for your performance.

Spread the word

An effective way to get credit for your endeavors is by spreading the word. More than often, ideas are plagiarised due to invisibility of the brain initiating them. Establish claim over your tasks by making sure everybody knows what you are doing.

Look out for opportunities to discuss the progress made by you with seniors as well as colleagues. Prefer to offer suggestions in a public forum rather than giving them to individuals behind closed doors.

However, circulate the word in a professional as well as subtle manner. Furthermore, market yourself by delivering speeches and giving presentations on industry-related subjects. Focus on self-promotion to build a reputation as an idea generator and exceptional performer.

Let it go

Although easier said than done, let it go. Being part of a team involves working and collaborating with several individuals. As a consequence, it may be difficult to unmistakably allocate credit to respective members. Permit your work to garner accolades for everyone so that the team is duly recognised.

In fact, refrain from making noise about one-off incidents so as not to come across as petty. Taking a stand whenever someone hogs credit for your efforts may not be worth the hassle. Consider being generous with sharing accolades unless a colleague makes it a habit to steal your thunder. Move on and spend your time and energies in establishing yourself as a strong team player.

Talk to supervisor

Lastly, when everything else fails, escalate the matter to your supervisor. Schedule a meeting to inform them about the colleague’s modus operandi. However, share your grievance without sounding too complaining or emotional.

Prepare a strong case and give a comprehensive account to disclose the credit-stealing activity. Indicate your numerous attempts to create a good working relationship with the co-worker. Make sure to support your version with well-documented evidence including emails. Also, seek guidance to handle the situation aptly in accordance to the company guidelines. While action may not be taken immediately, at least your concern will be recorded. Approach the management as a last resort to prevent colleagues from constantly taking the spotlight away from you.

Seek clarification

When a colleague passes your work as his own, speak to him immediately. While it is natural to feel infuriated, give the other person a chance to explain his conduct. Arrange a meeting with the employee in a secluded corner to ensure privacy. Start the dialogue on a positive note by discussing the specifics of the project. Refrain from using confrontational language or accusatory tone during the conversation. Politely bring to the co-worker’s attention that you rightfully deserve the recognition. Also, strongly communicate that their behaviour is unacceptable. 

Speak to the co-worker in person to clear the air as well as avert the possibility of repetition in the future.