When I was pursuing my doctoral degree, we had to complete several group projects. While most people in our cohort enjoyed working together, I really didn’t like group projects.
Why? Because I had a terrible experience early in my career. I worked with a team member who never shared credit. The team was responsible for the rewrite of an instruction manual. We had a short timeline to complete the project.
The team was comprised of nine members, including our team leader. We were paired together in two-person groups. Each group was assigned a section of the manual to complete. During our weekly meeting, our team leader would pepper us with questions about our progress.
To prepare for the meetings, my partner and I would meet three days before the meeting to discuss and develop our materials. During our first meeting, we agreed to divide and conquer. On the day of our meeting, we would take turns presenting.
In addition to our weekly meeting, our team leader would also meet with us one-on-one to discuss our progress. It was during one of those meetings I found out my partner was taking credit for my work and trying to undermine me.
When my team leader shared his concern that I was not carrying my weight, I was completely blindsided. I couldn’t believe my partner was taking credit for my work. When I returned to my desk, I was so angry I just picked up my purse and left.
The next day, I set up a meeting with my partner and our team leader. During the meeting, I confronted my partner. Although my partner tried to defend his position, I produced evidence of my work. As a result of our meeting, my partner was transferred to another project.
As a result of that I experience, I learned why it was essential to share credit with others. My partner’s actions made me feel disrespected and undervalued. His efforts also undermined the team.
President Harry S. Truman said, “It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.”
When you share credit, it demonstrates you are a team player. It also demonstrates leadership and builds team member confidence.
Sharing credit with others creates a win-win environment.
“A good leader takes a little more than his share of the blame, a little less than his share of the credit.”
Arnold H. Glason
Are you sharing the credit with others?
Your leadership guide,
Kim
Dr. Kim Moore | Your Leadership Guide | kimdmoore.com
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