Getting The Credit You Deserve
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We’re not talking about credit cards here! We’ll discuss a somewhat common problem – what to do when you’re doing most of the work, but getting very little credit.
Vicki e-mailed us with a bigg challenge – she recently worked on a major project at work. It was a bigg success – okay, she didn’t say that, but we couldn’t resist! Management is thrilled. Her problem – her supervisor is taking all the credit. Vicki wants to know what to do to get the recognition she deserves.
Here’s what we recommend to Vicki:
Put it in perspective
Don’t forget the old saying: It’s amazing how much gets accomplished when no one cares who gets the credit. The fact is you know that you worked on this project and that it was very successful. Enjoy it! You helped your company … you contributed.
Ask yourself if you’re inflating your role? Sometimes we give ourselves more credit than we deserve, especially on successful projects. Make sure that’s not the case. However, from reading Vicki’s e-mail, it doesn’t appear that’s the situation here.
We live in a highly competitive world. You’re a hard worker. You’ve been a part of a successful campaign. Strive to get the credit you deserve. That helps your standing in your company. It 129 makes your job more secure.]
If you don’t promote yourself, no one else will.
We’re not talking about walking around telling everyone how great you are. Don’t undermine your boss. Just understand that you need to make sure you’re recognized for your contributions.
Document, document, document.
As you’re working on projects in the future, keep written notes as things progress. Give credit where credit is due for ideas, participation, and implementation. Follow up – after meetings, face-to-face conversations, and phone calls – with a written record of “your understanding” of the conversation. Get agreement on the facts from your supervisor and/or co-workers.
For the project you just completed, consider writing out your role in the project. Ask your supervisor to review it. Tell him that you recorded the details while they were fresh in your mind. You’re going to put it in your file for your next review.
Don’t just write down what you did – include what you learned. Your company provides you with opportunities for growth. Pat your company on the back for that!
One more thought on documentation – don’t forget to add this project to your resume!
Address the situation at the proper time in the proper way.
The proper time is AFTER you have documentation on your role in a project. Then, if your manager fails to give you the credit you deserve, you’re ready to address it in the proper way.
That means having a conversation, not a confrontation. You won’t accomplish anything by attacking him. Report on the situation with as little emotion as you can possibly muster. Keep this two-point outline in mind –
(1) This is what happened (2) Here’s how it makes me feel.
You may start with a discussion of the project, what you’re most proud of, and what you learned for next time. Then, you might say something like:
“In our meeting yesterday, when this project was discussed, I don’t feel I was given the credit I deserve. It makes me feel unappreciated.”
You’re not putting your boss on the defensive by saying that. You’re simply, and properly, trying to resolve an issue.
Good luck, Vicki! Thanks for sharing your bigg challenge with us.
| What’s your biggest challenge right now? E-mail it to us at bigginfo@biggsuccess.com |
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Do you have a suggestion for Vicki? Share it with us in the Comments below.
Our Bigg Quote today is more of a riddle …
Why is Christmas just like a day at the office?
Because you do all the work and the fat guy with the suit gets all the credit!
You may be an elf now, but if you remember to elf-promote, you’ll be elf-satisfied!
Come back tomorrow to find out if your knowledge is a blessing or a curse. Until then, here’s to your bigg success!
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