Why Credit Should Be Given When It’s Due

It’s so tempting, isn’t it, to snap up someone else’s great idea and implement it in your own little corner of the world? Nobody will be the wiser, you might tell yourself, and besides, there’s no ownership to this great idea, so what’s the harm?

News flash: True leaders don’t do that. And here’s why.

People work hard, and they notice when you steal.

As someone whose creative genius has been “borrowed” without credit on numerous occasions, I can tell you that there are two sides to the coin. On the positive side, it’s nice to see that other people appreciate my work and ingenuity, and that they recognize that my ideas are working for the organization. The other side—and there might be a reason it’s called the “backside”—finds me growling because the wrong person is reaping personal benefits without lifting a finger, and that person is pulling the wool over the eyes of folks who matter to me, and in many cases, they’re doing it wrong. I’m working on not letting that bother me, but if I am being honest, it still does! If you’re one of these people, please swallow your pride (or guilt) for a minute and read on.

The simplest fact is that true leaders recognize that everyone has something to contribute, that those people are proud of their contributions, and that they will continue to offer their talents if they are properly recognized. Most people already get that, and that alone should be enough to persuade folks to properly credit their sources.

That’s not always the case, so I offer two more points: The person who originated the idea probably has more of them, and you’re still going to be the hero when all is said and done. But if you call out that person who helped get you there, chances are the outcome will be even better—for both of you.

There’s more where that came from.

Chances are, this random idea you’d like to appropriate on a whim was probably well thought out, and the thought process behind it might actually help you take the solution to even higher levels. In fact, some of the rejected ideas might even be better in your situation. Seek out the originator of the idea and pick her (or his) brain. Become a team. Collaborate. Think big.

You still look good.

Stop being paranoid that you’ll never get anywhere. You did find the idea, and you recognized its worth as a viable solution for you. If you simply pass it off as your own, you’ll be seen as having done your job. If you elect to stand in triumph, clenched fists raised in solidarity, with the person with whom you have collaborated, higher-ups will still notice, and the “credit” will be applied to you both individually—PLUS you get the added bonus of being seen as someone who works well on a collaborative team, AND you get the respect (instead of the ire) of the person who originated the idea in the first place. Get it?

There’s enough success to go around. True leaders practice giving credit. Be a true leader.

Please comment below to share your own wisdom and thoughts.