3 Ways to Handle Someone Who Is Undermining You

If you’ve ever had it happen to you before, you’ll never forget it. I’m talking about someone trying to take credit that belongs to you—trying to steal your show. Maybe they pitched an idea to the boss, claiming it to be their idea when it was one you shared with them over lunch. Or perhaps they talk as if the team is ahead of schedule due to their leadership, not yours, when reality says otherwise. Whatever the scenario, if someone is trying to steal your show, here are three ways to handle that:

Keep your cool
Very few things are as infuriating as someone stealing your ideas or trying to take credit for your hard work. You’re going to be angry, that’s fine. Be angry, then give yourself a little time to calm down. The last thing you want is to make a bad situation worse—and that’s what you’ll do if you make any decisions in the heat of the moment.

Act quickly
Once you’ve given yourself what you need to get and stay calm, it’s time to take action. You can’t sit by quietly and let someone steal your ideas or take credit for your work. If you do that you might as well send them an engraved invitation to do it again. You’ve heard the saying, “We train people how to treat us”? It’s true. 

Be smart about it
Yes, deal with it now, but be smart about it. If it’s a first offense, talk to the guilty party in private. Let them know the only reason you’re keeping it private is because this was a first offense, not because you’re not taking it seriously. To let them know you mean that, be sure and tell them if it happens again you will bring the boss into the discussion. One more thing: Be sure to document what’ s happened—and let them know you’ve done so.

 

 

 

 

 

- Alan Allard, Creator of Enlightened Happiness. For more from Alan, sign up for his newsletter at alanallard.com.