How do you handle and anticipate leadership, peers, or family taking credit for your work and knowledge?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 24 Jun 2017 18:13:46 -0400

Response by TSgt Melissa Post made Jun 24 at 2017 6:21 PM

TSgt Melissa Post — Sat, 24 Jun 2017 18:21:02 -0400

It depends on the situation and individual. There are times when you speak up right away and then there are times when you pull that individual aside and say "what was that about? You know that was my work." As long as it is professional and tactful there are numerous ways to handle this situation.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Jun 24 at 2017 6:21 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Sat, 24 Jun 2017 18:21:36 -0400

SGT Private RallyPoint Member I've Never had that Happen. I guess I'm Blessed or No One Has that Big Cajoles. Now I was a Bit Player in Several Books but No One Wrote Me out of the Scheme either. LOL!

Response by SSG Michael Hartsfield made Jun 24 at 2017 10:02 PM

SSG Michael Hartsfield — Sat, 24 Jun 2017 22:02:56 -0400

Personally, I say let them. Let them take all of that credit because superiors and subordinates always seem to know "what's the raw and what's been stepped on." Also, and this is where Karma comes into play, The Powers That Be will come to that individual and expect him/her to reproduce the same thing they took credit for and they will break their necks running to you for help. I've seen it a hundred times before and it always seems to pan out like that.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 25 at 2017 12:10 AM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 25 Jun 2017 00:10:01 -0400

Subtly provide them misinformation on which they rely to end up looking incredibly foolish.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Jun 25 at 2017 1:07 AM

COL Charles Williams — Sun, 25 Jun 2017 01:07:54 -0400

SGT Private RallyPoint Member Good question. I don't worry about things I can't control.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 25 at 2017 10:28 AM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 25 Jun 2017 10:28:22 -0400

Doesn't happen often, but, when it does I try to remember that a whole lot more gets accomplished if people don't care who gets the credit.

Then I wait for the chance to screw up a non important task that they have claimed credit for and laugh when they try to explain.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 25 at 2017 12:52 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 25 Jun 2017 12:52:50 -0400

Let them because there are two courses of action after that . The first is that they depend on you and you become the "go too man/woman" and it equates to experience for you which is more valuable than a COA or coin. The second is that they will rely on you too much so that when you are gone or unavailable they will revel how much of an idiot they are so either way it's a win for me.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 25 at 2017 1:35 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 25 Jun 2017 13:35:48 -0400

Sadly that's happened to me before. The worst part is when your NCOIC and OIC take credit for your work and such. I politely remind them I provided them the answer and refrain from giving them such help in the future.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 26 at 2017 11:06 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 26 Jun 2017 11:06:33 -0400

I would first confront the person in private as they may not realize what they're doing. Then, if needs be, I'd bring it up to my commander. This can be a tricky thing to do since you don't want to appear as being petty. In lesser situations I'd say just let it go but for major things you can't really do that since we work in a profession where your future is very much based on your past accomplishments. If I could, I'd get myself, my commander, and the person taking credit for it in the same room together and talk it out honestly and professionally. Sounds easier than it actually would be I'm sure.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Jun 26 at 2017 12:26 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Mon, 26 Jun 2017 12:26:22 -0400

Understand that this will happen. Be ready to put yourself last and others first.
Leadership: leaders will take credit for both individual and group accomplishments of subordinates. It's okay if they do this in a positive way. If a senior officer recognizes a SNCO or Officer leader for an accomplishment, it's important for that person to thank them and point out that the accomplishment was due to the work of his subordinate or team. Senior leaders really don't know everybody in larger units, but do know their direct reports and probably the next layer down of supervisors. They will recognize the people they know who must then pass down the recognition.
Peers: Can you say Blue Falcon! You might or might not expect a peer to take credit for your work. If they do they are self-serving liars. They certainly don't deserve your friendship, but they don't deserve any type of violent response either. If the event or achievement was a really big deal, you might talk with your supervisor about your peer's behavior. Odds are good that the supervisor already knows what's going on, but it won't hurt to discuss it with them. If you have to work with this person continually, expect them to continue their bad behavior in most cases. Do what you must to keep the team going and look for an opportunity to change your employment situation to get away from the liar.
Family: Family relationships are complex. Taking credit isn't a big thing in most families at the macro level. At the micro level, siblings or cousins may try to take credit with parents or other elders, similar to the peer situation. Handle it the same way. Beware of being childish over minor perceived slights. If possible, "be the adult" in the situation and don't start an argument or make a big deal out of something small. Like supervisors, parents are often not as ignorant of other family members' behaviors as you might think.
(Edited 27 Jun 17)