Bad Credit: Giving Recognition Where It’s Due

Have you ever been stung by someone else taking credit for your work?  It doesn’t feel very good, does it?  In fact, it can feel downright crappy.  Similarly, have you ever taken credit for someone else’s or your team’s work?  Did you do it because you thought it was “no big deal”?  What may seem like such a trivial matter, is, in fact, a big deal…stage hogs take note.

Giving credit where it is due is one of the most basic elements of creating an engaged workforce.  Yet so often I see or hear of others accepting full praise or accolades for work that was not entirely their own. Talk about a sure-fire motivation killer for the rest of the contributors.  Over time, resentment and less than stellar efforts by teammates or employees can easily result when a stage hog is running amok.

Impact

People who do not recognize the contributions of teammates zap the willingness of others to give their very best in the future. As a result, both morale and creativity can suffer.  Internal relationships can deteriorate as those being repeatedly under-recognized can build resentment, justifiably, I might add.  An atmosphere of mistrust and nonproductive competitiveness is further reinforced and the final product suffers as effective teamwork nosedives.

Exercise the Recognition Muscle

Whether you are the team lead or a fellow contributor here are some tips to ensure all involved feel their time and expertise was valued:

• Track all who have provided input and expertise.  Remember, being overlooked is both frustrating and discouraging.
• Recognize the contributions of all involved, no matter how small.  Everyone likes to know that they have made a difference.  Don’t forget accounting or support services either.
• Be sure to also let your co-workers’ supervisors know of the impact their team members have made.
• Be gracious in accepting any accolade, even if you have done the lion’s share of the work,  be sure to cite other’s efforts.  Saying something like, “I had amazing support” only takes a moment but goes a long, long way in helping you continue to enlist the best efforts from your colleagues and team in the future.
• Make a daily habit out of thanking someone for their help.  Too often we get caught up in the rapid-fire pace of deadlines and demands.  Making a point to acknowledge someone’s effort will ensure you remain in the recognition mindset.
• Never underestimate the power of a simple, “Thank you” or “Way to go”.

Is there a stage hog among you?  How much of a thrill is it to work with a colleague who takes all the credit?  What are the ways that you deal with this type of behavior in others or yourself?