When Manuel, the sales VP, delivered –on time– the agenda for the three day conference in Palm Desert, his boss rewarded him with a $500 American Express gift certificate and a standing ovation at that afternoon’s meeting. The only problem was this: Manuel didn’t do any of the work. His secretary, Alicia, came up with the ideas. She solicited suggestions from the staff. She rewrote, revised, and creatively designed each meeting, lunch, and breakfast, and she even kept after Manuel to prioritize his schedule so that he’d turn the agenda in on time.

When Alicia heard about Manuel’s rewards, (and heard not a word of praise from Manuel), she very calmly went to her computer, simply put together all her emails to Manny, warning him he’ll miss his deadline, and made copies of all the notes she took, showing (very clearly) that the titles and agenda and summaries were hers, not Manny’s.

Her message to the CEO was clear and succinct: “I don’t mind at all being the eyes, ears, and the brains behind this conference. It’s what makes my job exciting. I would just like some credit for it.”
Every day people take credit for someone else’s ideas, and this causes turmoil in the office. Not only does it damage morale, but it creates an atmosphere of lies and deception, not a pleasant atmosphere to work in.

Based on a real incident, the Manuel /Alicia confrontation turned into an interesting war of words. Join us at 7 a.m.,August 26, 2009 Blogtalkradio.com to hear what happened. Go to http://www.blogtalkradio.com/ConsultantInsultant with your questions and answers, We always look forward to hearing what drives you crazy in the office.

The above article was written by Dr. Gary Seigel author of The Mouth Trap. Gary@The Mouthtrap.com Dr. Gary & Brian co-host the Conultant/Insultant radio show on Blogtalkradio.com, http://www.blogtalkradio.com/ConsultantInsultant

Please e-mail Dr. Brian at Dr.Brian@DrBrianGrossman.com