What do you do if your boss steals your work or ideas?

1 Assess Intent

Before you react, take a moment to consider the possibility of a misunderstanding. Sometimes, ideas can be communicated in meetings or emails and later be mistaken as a collaborative effort. Assess whether your boss intentionally claimed your work as their own or if it was an honest oversight. This will help you decide how to approach the conversation. Remember, maintaining a professional demeanor is key, regardless of the intent behind the action.

2 Gather Evidence

If you suspect that your work or ideas have been deliberately stolen, it's crucial to have evidence to support your claims. Document instances where your input led to a successful outcome, or where your original ideas were presented by your boss as their own. This could include emails, project documents, or even witness statements from colleagues. Having concrete examples will strengthen your position when addressing the issue.

3 Open Dialogue

Approach your boss with the intent to have an open and honest conversation. Choose a private setting and a suitable time, avoiding public confrontation or times of high stress. Express your concerns calmly and professionally, using the evidence you've gathered to highlight the instances where you feel your work was not properly attributed to you. Listen to their side of the story as well, as communication is a two-way street.

4 Set Boundaries

During your discussion, it's important to establish clear boundaries and expectations for the future. Articulate the value of your contributions and the importance of receiving appropriate credit. Suggest practical solutions, such as including your name on presentations or being mentioned in meetings when discussing projects you've worked on. Setting these boundaries will help prevent similar situations from occurring again.

5 Seek Support

If the issue persists despite your efforts to resolve it directly with your boss, it may be time to seek support from higher-ups or human resources. Explain the situation objectively, presenting the evidence you've collected. It's important to follow company protocol and remain professional throughout this process. Seeking support is not about retaliation; it's about ensuring that your work is respected and acknowledged.

6 Plan Ahead

Finally, consider your long-term career goals and how this experience fits into the bigger picture. If your work environment does not change despite your best efforts, it may be time to explore new opportunities where your contributions are valued. Keep networking, updating your resume, and considering what steps you need to take to advance your career in a direction that aligns with your values and aspirations.

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?