How do you navigate a situation where a colleague takes credit for your thought leadership ideas?

Calmy recognise the idea and then ask them: a)how they came up with the idea/concept b) to explain their thinking or even "can you give us some more background"

To handle a situation where a colleague takes credit for your ideas, first document your contributions for evidence. Address the issue privately with the colleague and, if needed, escalate to your manager with your records. Promote a collaborative environment and continue contributing professionally to ensure your work is recognized.

It depends on the situation. If I am mentoring someone, I may want to let them take at least some of the credit for their own development. If they don't recognize contributions from the rest of the team and where the idea came from when they present the idea, that evolves into one or more different coaching discussions. Mistakes can happen, but if someone is malevolently trying to steal ideas and take credit, cooler heads should prevail with clear attribution. Documenting your own contributions can be helpful if things become contentious, and open communications with collaborators and leadership can help to prevent further misunderstandings or miscommunications.

Quand un collègue s’approprie vos idées, il faut avoir le courage d’aborder la chose franchement. Avant de monter sur vos grands chevaux, prenez une minute pour réfléchir à ce qui se passe factuellement ? Ensuite, allez voir cette personne et parlez-lui sans détour. Dites-lui ce que vous avez remarqué et ce que vous ne pouvez pas accepter, mais faites-le avec l’idée d’ouvrir le dialogue. L’objectif, c’est pas de se lancer dans un combat, mais de s’assurer que tout le monde avance dans la même direction. Travailler ensemble, c’est quand même mieux que de se tirer dans les pattes.

If it's clear the credit-taking was intentional, I address it directly with my colleague. I express the importance of recognition for my professional growth and thought leadership, using specific examples to illustrate my contributions. This clear communication helps prevent future issues and sets boundaries, all while ensuring the conversation remains respectful and professional to maintain workplace harmony.

People may genuinely believe an idea was theirs, especially in collaborative settings. During a project, I noticed my colleague taking credit for an idea I had proposed. I was frustrated... But, instead of confronting him publicly, I addressed it privately. I explained the situation, and he realized the mistake, apologizing sincerely. This taught me the power of open communication. Not every misstep is intentional, and handling it with care preserves relationships. Sometimes, it’s better to address things calmly and focus on the future. No matter what, communication is key. Just keep it professional and focused on the issue and not the person. .

Моето мисле?е и став е многу многу !Вашето бара?е за зголемена видливост на Линкедин е ограничена ! персонални и активности кои се регулираат со партнерите / мали или големи / со ме?усебни партнериски интереси ,домашни или надворешни Договори - во кои, тие се законски ограничени и нивната Видливост !

Proactively share your thought leadership ideas through various channels such as team meetings, emails, or company newsletters. By ensuring your contributions are visible, you reduce the chances of your ideas being overlooked or misattributed.

It is incredibly important to establish, nurture & expand a circle of recognition (h/t Angela Basset for the term). A network structured to recognize your work, amplify your ideas and to direct opportunities your way. When someone intentionally takes credit for your thought leadership, usually it is because you are someone they (and sometimes the community or organization you both belong to) feel they can afford to overlook and underappreciate. You are underrecognized. When a circle of recognition reinforces your ownership of an idea, your thought leadership becomes increasingly difficult to ignore. So make sure you have and are regularly nurturing your relationships with your advocates, mediators, gatekeepers and champions.

Best way to build support network? Focus on building your own expertise and reputation. Make your abilities so undeniable that your contributions are instantly recognized. When people consistently see the quality of your work, they’ll naturally associate you with great ideas. Seek out opportunities to showcase your skills, whether through presentations, leading projects, or sharing insights in meetings. The more you demonstrate your value, the less likely others will be to overlook your contributions. This way, your work speaks for itself, ensuring you get the credit you deserve.

When someone else is taking credit for your work, acknowledging this can require a nuanced communication style. A couple examples: "This project reminds me of my high school summer jobs where I worked in construction. Each person added a crucial element. I laid the foundation with [your specific contribution], and it's amazing to see how we've all built upon that." or "That's a good question. May I quickly sketch out how this idea came together to clarify? I find visuals help me express complex thoughts." Then, as you draw, narrate the evolution of the idea, highlight your role in its inception and development (in a natural way).

Build a collaborative environment where ideas and credits are shared openly. Encourage team recognition and transparency, which can reduce conflicts and promote a culture of mutual respect and acknowledgment.