“I love my job, but my boss takes all the credit. How do I stand up for myself?”
Dear Chatty,
I really enjoy my work and I’ve been told I’m good at it. But my boss regularly takes credit for my ideas, especially in meetings. I don’t want to cause tension, but it’s starting to affect how I feel about my job. How do I stand up for myself without rocking the boat?
— Feeling Invisible
Dear Feeling Invisible,
Let’s start with this: You’re not imagining it, and you’re not wrong for feeling frustrated. Loving your job shouldn’t mean swallowing your voice every time someone else takes the mic — especially when that “someone” is your boss.
You’ve hit on a sneaky kind of workplace sabotage: credit-stealing. It often hides behind phrases like “we came up with” or “I suggested” — when really, it was your brainchild that got the ball rolling. The worst part? It makes you question if advocating for yourself will make you look petty, ungrateful, or worse… difficult.
Let’s flip that narrative.
Here’s what Chatty says you can do:
1. Track Your Contributions
Start documenting your wins. Keep a “brag file” (yep, that’s a thing!) of projects, emails, Slack messages — anything that shows your involvement. Not to wave receipts in anyone’s face, but to build your confidence and support your case when needed.
2. Speak Up… Strategically
The next time you’re in a meeting and your boss shares your idea, jump in (kindly but firmly):
“Great point — I’ve been thinking about this for a while, and when I originally suggested it in our team chat, I thought XYZ could really move the needle.”
That’s not confrontational — that’s professional boundary-setting.
3. Use “We” to Your Advantage
If you’re hesitant to go all in with “that was mine,” soften it with a collaborative tone:
“I’m glad you brought that up — I was excited when I started outlining that proposal last week.”
Translation: I did the work, and I’m not afraid to say so.
4. Schedule a Direct (but Calm) Conversation
If it’s a pattern, have a private convo with your boss. Stay calm, curious, and professional:
“I’ve noticed a few times in meetings that ideas I’ve shared privately are being presented without mention of my contribution. I’d love to be included more visibly — is there a way we can better highlight individual team efforts?”
If they’re a decent human being, they’ll take the cue. If not… keep your brag file close, because you may need it for HR — or your next job interview.
Final Word from Chatty:
“Advocating for yourself isn’t confrontation — it’s clarity. And clarity invites respect.”
Remember, you can love your job and demand credit at the same time. That’s not rocking the boat — that’s learning to steer it.
You’ve got this.
xo,
Chatty
