What to say

What to say when a coworker takes credit for your work

The short answer: claim it calmly and on the record, then make your work visible before the next meeting. Fighting for the spotlight rarely works. A paper trail does.

Say this

1. In the meeting, right away

   "Thanks for raising that. When I put the analysis together, the key thing I found was... Happy to go through the details."

   You add your ownership without accusing anyone.

2. Afterwards, one to one

   "In the meeting, the proposal came across as yours. I'd like us to agree how we credit work we do together."

   Many credit takers believe they contributed more than they did. Agreeing on it beats arguing about it.

3. Next time, before the meeting

   "Sharing my draft ahead of Thursday, so everyone has it."

   Send it around with your name on it. Hard to steal what everyone has already seen.

4. Up front, on shared work

   "Before we start: I'll own the analysis, you take the client deck. OK?"

   Boring? Yes. It also settles who did what before anyone presents it.

Not this

• "That was my idea!" in front of everyone. It sounds petty, even when it's true.
• Saying nothing and stewing. It will happen again, and the resentment grows.
• Fighting for the spotlight. You won't win a credit contest. Keep delivering, and build fans elsewhere.

If it's your boss

Ask for visibility, not an apology:

"Could I present the part I built at the next review? It would help me grow."