Co-worker needs way to address ‘theft’ of his ideas
DEAR J.T. & DALE: I have a co-worker who steals all of my ideas. We have to work together on a daily basis, and he always takes credit for concepts I come up with. I’m more shy and not comfortable speaking up to my boss. But I can’t stand that he is getting all the credit. — Dylan
Dale: First, congratulations on two counts: One, you have lots of ideas, and two, you apparently work for an organization that welcomes them, something that is rarer than you would expect.
J.T.: As for dealing with the idea thief, I see two options: First, you could take a class or get coaching to help you be less shy about speaking up at work. Or, you could have a oneon-one conversation with your co-worker, explaining that you are bothered by the fact that he never references you as the originator of the ideas. I’m sure neither of those options sounds appealing, but you must stand up for yourself. Consider this alternative: If you do nothing, over time your boss will assume that your co-worker is more accomplished and talented, and he may get a promotion over you. At which point you could end up working for him, and then your ideas really will never be heard!
Dale: All good advice, but there’s an issue about when to stand up for yourself. Let’s play “Whose idea is it, anyway?” If you’re part of a team, and someone throws out an idea, that idea belongs to the team, not the person with the particular thought. Why? Because that particular thought was the culmination of all that preceded it, all the prior suggestions/ comments. On the other hand, if the idea comes to you while working alone, you still have to consider who “owns” it. Does credit for the idea go to the person who first thinks it, first speaks it, first presents it to management, or first writes it down? Or maybe it belongs to the person who improves it or figures out how to actually make it work. You see my point: Credit for an idea is a series of possible possessions. You need to figure out where your co-worker is grabbing that credit and simply beat him to it, then work to make it yours along its evolution.
Dear J.T. & Dale: My co-worker has started a side business doing some consulting work. Our boss doesn’t know. Since he started doing it, his work has been suffering. He comes into work late because he’s been up the night before doing his consulting work. My boss
recently asked me if I knew if anything was wrong with my co-worker. I didn’t know what to say, so I said “no.” However, I feel like the boss should know. What should I do? — Beth Anne
J.T.: I would tell your co-worker what went down with your boss. Hopefully, he’ll realize what he is doing and make some changes. I’d also tell your co-worker that if asked again, you’ll be forced to tell the truth. That way, your co-worker knows the seriousness of the situation.
Dale: Yes, I definitely would go to your co-worker, as opposed to your boss. And when you do, you may get contrition, but then again, you might hear something like this: “Yeah, I know my work is slipping, but I’m making so much money from consulting that I’m just holding on to my current salary and benefits till they figure it out and let me go.” If so, this may be a nice opportunity for you to improve your work by upgrading your “book of business.” (If you don’t know that expression, it’s used in several professions — for instance, lawyers use it as shorthand for all their clients/ cases, and insurance agents for their clients/policies, and so on.) I think every corporate employee should give thought to his or her “book of business” and how to improve it. When you know that a co-worker will be leaving, it’s time to see about taking over better projects, the ones with more visibility or chance for learning. Think of this as a chance to help both yourself and the company.