A
A leader “taking credit” for an
idea that is not his or hers is not
a new behavior for many. There
are, however, several actions you
can take to improve things for you and your
team. Of course, start by praying. Be spe-
cific in your prayers, requesting blessings for
both you and your manager. Ask for growth
opportunities for you and leader ship growth
for you leader.
Secondly, seek to understand. Set up
time with you manager to talk with her
about what you are noticing in work super-
vision and your ideas. Message the conver-
sation not as a threat, but as a way to help
build the relationship between the two of
you. Win. Win. Listen more than you speak
to find out more about what your manager
needs, what your manager expects and
how she prefers to communicate. Let her
know you are proud of her and see her as
an example of success. Ask her how you
too can be a seen a better leader and grow
in your career. As you listen, you may see
another side of what you currently see.
This will not only help build trust, it will
also give you greater perspective as well as
actionable steps you can take to grow in
your career. This will help you both excel in
your roles and you getting the visible credit
for your ideas.
Also, implement appropriate EQ
(emotional intelligence) skills to learn
the best way your manager likes to be
approached. Also express how who you
like to work and communicate. This may
include communicating via email. In this
case, you can send a summary of the idea
you proposed during a coaching session and
add that you are excited about helping move
the idea forward or sharing other ideas as
the things you read or see sparks them.
Also consider sharing your ideas with more
than your manager in a room. Talk to your
manager about how you’d enjoy discussing
your idea clearly in team meetings. Even be
smartly vocal in forums. Being vocal help
builds confidence, improves presentation
skills and pushes you to listen to and imple-
ment complementary ideas from others. If
done right, this also helps you get the expo-
sure you’re looking for. #RiseAndFly
Hope LeNoir, Forward Thinking Professional
Development Strategist and Coach, is the
Founder of Rise and Fly.
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