The scenario
I work for someone who is not as bright or as technically skilled as me. She keeps asking for my advice and giving me more of her work to do. Then she takes all the credit for my ideas in the work I do for her. And all I see is her getting more recognition and me getting none. I realize I work for her and she can ask me to do whatever work she wants, but I think this has become very unfair. How do I handle this situation so that I don't offend my boss or negatively affect my ability to move ahead in the company, but start to get some of the credit I deserve?
The advice
This is not an uncommon problem. It's what is referred to as a "rank-and-power" situation. Your boss outranks you and has more power because of her position.
In all likelihood, she feels threatened by your intelligence and technical capabilities. She probably wants to rise in the organization, and may want to limit her competition.
You will want to find ways to calm her fears and get her on side so you can get the recognition you desire and deserve.
MEET WITH THE BOSS
Use a meeting as an opportunity to tell her how much you appreciate working for her and the company. Let her know what strengths you think she brings to her position and how much you have appreciated her guidance and support. Let her know you would like to work even more closely together to advance the work of the company, as well as both of your careers.
Use that as a chance to indicate your desire for more recognition and advancement. Soften it by telling her how much you value her input and stress how happy you'd be to share future successes with her and other team members.
If your boss seems agreeable, come up with concrete ways that you can have your work better recognized. Request, for instance, that she give you credit when she is presenting ideas, projects or concepts that you have had a hand in developing. Ask that your name be added to any written reports or other documents you have worked on that will be forwarded to senior management.
Draft a working agreement that you both sign outlining ways you will be recognized.
If your boss isn't as agreeable, try to find out why, and ask what you could do to change her mind. If she offers up reasonable suggestions and conditions, and you feel she is sincere, follow them. Ask for progress reports.
If she flatly rejects your overtures, or gives you vague or non-committal responses, you have your answer, and will likely want to start looking elsewhere for new work. Consider the possibilities of transfers within your organization or begin the search for a new employer. Ask your boss for a letter of reference.
PROMOTE YOURSELF
Do not rely solely on your boss to get you more recognition. Put yourself out there. Take advantage of opportunities to work on company committees and task forces; if you can take a leadership role, such as chairing or serving as secretary, do so. Write articles on your areas of interest and expertise for your company newsletter or professional journals. Take up blogging on your own, for your corporate website or for a professional site. Send copies of articles or links to sites to your boss, the company executive team and the human resources department. Also take advantage of opportunities to give presentations both inside and outside your company, for instance, at conferences or trade shows. Send copies of your presentations to your boss and other key senior officials.
As well, find a mentor from senior management who you can meet with regularly. Ask this person how best to progress and earn notice. Ask to be notified of any advancement opportunities the person thinks would be suitable. Also ask him or her to serve as a referee and provide you with a letter of reference.
Bruce Sandy is a certified coach, consultant, speaker and founder and principal of Pathfinder Coaching and Consulting in Vancouver. Website: http://www.brucesandy.com.
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