What to Say When a Colleague Takes Credit for Your Work
If your colleague takes credit for your work, staying calm and responding strategically matters. The goal isn't confrontation—it's reclaiming recognition with confidence, professionalism, and clarity. Here's how to find your voice while maintaining respect at work.
1. Pause Before Reacting
Knee-jerk reactions can backfire. Take a moment to assess whether the situation was intentional or a misunderstanding. Document your contributions, emails, and drafts so you have a factual record to reference later.
2. Use Assertive Communication
Assertive communication balances confidence with respect. Try phrasing like, “I’m glad the project went well. I’d like to share how I contributed to achieving that result.” This signals ownership without sounding defensive.
3. Address the Issue Privately First
Speak to your colleague directly before involving your manager. Use “I” statements to describe the impact. For example: “I felt overlooked when my input wasn’t acknowledged. Can we clarify roles next time?” Direct conversation can often reset expectations and prevent future issues.
4. Loop In Supervisors Strategically
If private discussion doesn’t work, schedule a check-in with your manager. Focus on results and teamwork instead of blame. Share your contributions with documentation to maintain professionalism while reinforcing your value.
5. Build a Culture of Recognition
Encourage credit-sharing habits in meetings. Publicly acknowledge others’ contributions, and model the behavior you want to see. Over time, this promotes transparency and workplace recognition that’s fair to all.