How to deal with 'credit stealer' boss?
Is your boss a master at never giving credit to subordinates, passing off every good idea as his own?
By Sreeradha D Basu, TNN |
KOLKATA: You've worked weekends, put in long hours and gone over every last detail to ensure your project presentation is as perfect as can be. On schedule, you’ve handed it to your boss to present it at the board meeting. But even as you sit back, confident of the compliments pouring in, he saunters out beaming with the top brass congratulating him on a job well done. You don’t even merit a mention! Surprised? Don’t be.
Like many others out there, it’s been your misfortune to be saddled with a boss of the type better known as a credit stealer. A common situation, but still a mighty hard cross to bear. Especially when your boss is a master at never giving credit to subordinates, passing off every good idea as his own.
So, what does one do in a situation like this? The first instinct, naturally, will be to blow a fuse. But that’s obviously not a smart option. Not if you want to stay in the same workplace. It’s better to resolve things using tact, so you don’t end up pushing the wrong buttons, and get credit where it’s due.
Protect your own work
Get together with colleagues whose ideas he steals and try to come up with solutions. For instance, instead of sharing ideas with your boss in private, you can present them at meetings where minutes are recorded. You can also write memos about the ideas and forward copies to the overall boss and others.
Play it smart
Your ideas are good, which is why the boss is stealing them. He may be insecure and feels you are a threat. Try and turn this situation to your advantage. Your boss is obviously not getting enough praise for his ideas. Admire his work and ask him for suggestions on polishing up your own. Showing him some respect may throw him pleasantly off balance.
Develop a rapport
Try and develop a rapport by finding out areas where the two of you can relate to each other. Create situations where you make him realise that your good work also makes him look good.
Report the boss
It’s the last resort. But things may get to a point where no other methods work. You may have to report your boss’ behaviour to the supervisor. Some organisations are open to taking action, but be prepared to be branded a troublemaker. Keep your options open.
Like many others out there, it’s been your misfortune to be saddled with a boss of the type better known as a credit stealer. A common situation, but still a mighty hard cross to bear. Especially when your boss is a master at never giving credit to subordinates, passing off every good idea as his own.
So, what does one do in a situation like this? The first instinct, naturally, will be to blow a fuse. But that’s obviously not a smart option. Not if you want to stay in the same workplace. It’s better to resolve things using tact, so you don’t end up pushing the wrong buttons, and get credit where it’s due.
Protect your own work
Get together with colleagues whose ideas he steals and try to come up with solutions. For instance, instead of sharing ideas with your boss in private, you can present them at meetings where minutes are recorded. You can also write memos about the ideas and forward copies to the overall boss and others.
Play it smart
Your ideas are good, which is why the boss is stealing them. He may be insecure and feels you are a threat. Try and turn this situation to your advantage. Your boss is obviously not getting enough praise for his ideas. Admire his work and ask him for suggestions on polishing up your own. Showing him some respect may throw him pleasantly off balance.
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Develop a rapport
Try and develop a rapport by finding out areas where the two of you can relate to each other. Create situations where you make him realise that your good work also makes him look good.
Report the boss
It’s the last resort. But things may get to a point where no other methods work. You may have to report your boss’ behaviour to the supervisor. Some organisations are open to taking action, but be prepared to be branded a troublemaker. Keep your options open.
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