Last updated on Jul 12, 2024

Your team member keeps claiming credit for your work. How do you reclaim your recognition in the workplace?

Discovering that a colleague is taking credit for your hard work can be disheartening and frustrating. It's essential to address this issue promptly to ensure your contributions are acknowledged and your professional reputation remains intact. In the workplace, where recognition can lead to advancement and opportunities, it's crucial to reclaim the credit that rightfully belongs to you. The following steps will guide you through handling such a situation with professionalism and tact.

1 Speak Up

When you notice your work is being credited to someone else, the first step is to speak up. Choose a suitable time to have a private conversation with your colleague. Approach the topic diplomatically, expressing your concerns and providing clear examples of instances where your work was misrepresented as theirs. Communication is key in resolving misunderstandings and it's possible that your colleague may not have realized the impact of their actions.

Add your perspective

2 Document Work

To prevent future misunderstandings, start documenting your work meticulously. Keep a record of your projects, contributions, and the progress you make each day. Emails, project timelines, and meeting notes can serve as evidence of your involvement. This habit not only helps in establishing your contributions but also improves your organizational skills and ensures you're prepared if you need to present proof of your work.

Add your perspective

Bassem El-Ganzoury

MBA, HRBP, HCM, TOT, LSSGB, Training, HR and Culture
There is no need to say that to document your contributions, maintain a record of your work, including emails, reports, project updates, and any other evidence that demonstrates your involvement and achievements. Alao communicate directly and regularly communicate with your manager and others about your progress. Don't let someone else take credit for your work by reporting to your boss indirectly. Always seek feedback proactively and seek feedback from your manager and others to ensure everyone is on the same page about your contributions. *(((Write your own emails and reports to take ownership of your work by writing your own emails and reports about your contributions.)))*
Like
Report contribution

3 Involve Leadership

If the issue persists despite your efforts to address it directly with your colleague, it's time to involve your supervisor or human resources department. Present your case with concrete examples and documentation of your work. It's important to remain professional and focus on the facts rather than emotions. Leadership is there to ensure a fair and respectful work environment, and they can take appropriate measures to rectify the situation.

Add your perspective

Michael Pignataro, MA, CSPHA, QPLS

Senior Risk Management Consultant at OneGroup Risk Management and Insurance. Adjunct Professor at SUNY Ulster.
Keeping dialog open with your supervisor or team leader is important. They can challenge the other employee and keep an eye on what the other employee is doing or not doing.
Like
Report contribution

4 Credit Collaboration

In team settings, it's beneficial to foster an environment where credit is shared appropriately. During meetings or project discussions, make it a point to highlight the collaborative nature of the work. Acknowledge your contributions along with those of your colleagues. This not only helps in setting the record straight but also promotes a culture of mutual respect and recognition among team members.

Add your perspective

5 Seek Allies

Building relationships with other colleagues can provide you with allies in the workplace who are aware of your contributions and can vouch for you. Engage in discussions about your projects with others and ask for their input or feedback. This creates a network of individuals who understand your role and can support you if someone else attempts to claim credit for your work.

Add your perspective

6 Reflect and Grow

Finally, use this experience as an opportunity for personal growth. Reflect on how you present your work and interact with colleagues. Perhaps there are ways to make your contributions more visible or assert yourself more effectively in team settings. Continuous self-improvement will not only help you reclaim recognition but also enhance your professional development in the long run.

Add your perspective

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Add your perspective

Your team member keeps claiming credit for your work. How do you reclaim your recognition in the workplace?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Speak Up

2 Document Work

3 Involve Leadership

4 Credit Collaboration

5 Seek Allies

6 Reflect and Grow

7 Here’s what else to consider

Staff Development

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Staff Development

More relevant reading

Your team member keeps claiming credit for your work. How do you reclaim your recognition in the workplace?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Speak Up

2 Document Work

3 Involve Leadership

4 Credit Collaboration

5 Seek Allies

6 Reflect and Grow

7 Here’s what else to consider

Staff Development

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

Explore Other Skills