Ask HR: What to Do When Colleagues Take Credit for Your Ideas

SHRM President and Chief Executive Officer Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., SHRM-SCP, answers HR questions each week.

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I like to consider myself a dedicated worker and team player. However, a couple of my co-workers have taken credit for ideas I had floated in our team meetings on two separate occasions. They sold the ideas to an area supervisor and the team lead of an adjacent group. I’m at a point where I’m hesitant to openly share my ideas in our meetings and interactions. Should I be concerned about getting credit for my ideas? How can I prevent others from taking credit for my ideas while still being a good teammate?  — Kiernan

Feeling frustrated when someone else receives credit for your ideas is completely understandable, especially when you strive to be a dedicated team player. You’re right to be concerned about receiving appropriate recognition, and the good news is there are proactive ways to address this issue without sacrificing your collaborative spirit or professionalism:

1. Pause and reflect first. Before confronting anyone, take a moment to think. Was this a one-time misunderstanding or a recurring pattern? Are your co-workers intentionally taking credit, or is there a chance they may not realize how their actions affect you? Giving yourself time to assess the situation calmly helps you respond with clarity rather than frustration.

2. Start a constructive conversation. If you’re comfortable, consider having a private, respectful dialogue with the colleagues involved. Use a curious, nonconfrontational tone. For example, you might say, “I noticed an idea I shared in our team meeting came up again later in a different conversation. Did you get a chance to mention it was something I’d floated?” This opens the door for clarification and signals that you’re aware and care about recognition without being combative.

3. Make your contributions visible. While staying collaborative, look for ways to make your involvement clear. You might:

• Follow up after meetings with a summary email to your supervisor or team, highlighting what was discussed and who shared what.
• Use “we” language that subtly includes yourself: “I’m excited that the team is building on the concept I suggested in last week’s meeting.”
• Volunteer to present your ideas yourself when appropriate or ask to co-present if others want to expand on something you introduced.

4. Promote transparency and team credit. Model the recognition culture you want to see. When you collaborate, give credit to others often and publicly (e.g., “Thanks to Alex for helping refine the idea I generated; it made a big difference.”) This signals to your peers and leadership that you value teamwork and are aware of your own contributions as well as others’.

5. Set boundaries thoughtfully. If you’re repeatedly asked to collaborate or contribute behind the scenes without credit, it’s OK to gently push back. You can say, “I’m happy to help brainstorm, but I’d like to be part of the follow-up so I can stay involved with the idea and how it’s developing.” That sets a boundary without damaging your relationships.

6. If needed, loop in a manager. If the situation persists or escalates, and your efforts to communicate haven’t worked, it may be appropriate to speak with your manager. Avoid complaints; instead, focus on the facts. You might say, “I enjoy contributing ideas, but I’ve noticed a few instances where my suggestions were implemented without acknowledgment. I’d like your advice on ensuring my contributions are recognized while continuing to support the team.”

One of the most important things we can do in life is to exhibit the behavior and characteristics we’d like to see in others. Establishing a reputation for celebrating your colleagues’ work, ideas, and contributions will give you the credibility to ask the same of others. 

Toolkit: Managing Employee Recognition Programs

Maintaining your professionalism and collaborative nature while advocating for yourself is powerful. You deserve to be recognized for your work, and with a thoughtful approach, you can continue being a strong teammate and be acknowledged for your contributions.