Monday, April 26, 2010

Taking/Giving credit

A common complaint these days seems to be folks not feeling like they've been giving (enough) credit for contributing to a project.

This isn't as much about the need for formal group recognition, as individuals seeking acknowledgment of their unique contributions to the whole.

Recently, I experimented with taking ownership when things went awry and keeping quiet when others submitted work that contained a notable chunk of my work. ('notable' meaning I did more than offer an opinion or have a brief review) I had a few 'aha' moments from this - some uncomfortable. The biggest 'aha being that it had me realise the type of credit I value most vs. having blanket acknowledgment.

So... is it right that the person who submits the final product, tacitly claims the credit for pulling it together? Should submissions come with a program listing the contributors and their roles?

Only if all the contributors are willing to share in the blame... How many folks stick up their hands when something needs to go back to the drawing board?

Perhaps we need to coach ourselves in understanding exactly why we're seeking credit for each contribution?

It's a double-edged sword and I've certainly cut myself as often as anyone else.

2 comments:

Christine said...

Dennie:
You are truly blessed with a talent for writing. Your posts are always inspiring.

How true, the balancing act of "giving and receiving credit". Yes, most do not like to take the blame but take all the credit. I have also felt the pain of someone stealing my hard work and presenting it as their own. It is a very interesting topic.

Thank you.

Irma Ladouce11 said...

Christine, you made my day. And inspired the next blog.