Lessons from Dad: Part 15

“Don’t worry about who gets the credit, just get the work done.”

 My siblings and I were always fascinated at the work our parents did not just in their jobs but in their civic roles as well. One aspect that we found both fascinating and enduring was their contentment that so long as there was accomplishment, it didn’t matter who got the credit for it.

 Admittedly in my early years it was difficult to understand why a person wouldn’t want recognition for the work they led to achieve or that they be given credit when credit is due. One day, I decided to sit with my father and inquire about his philosophy on the matter.

 My father stated that when you take on a project and make it all about you, you may lose sight of the reason why it should be done. People are inclined to work better together when there are no ulterior motives or personal agendas that have to be dealt with. He asked how I would feel if I had to work with a team where the leader believed it was all about him and ignored my contributions. He went on to state that achievements are greater and more meaningful when there is true collaboration without the nuance of grandstanding and credit seeking.

 It was through our parents that we learned never to do the right thing for the wrong reasons and not to worry about who gets the credit, just get the work done.

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