What is the worst behavior a manager can have at work? This question was asked to 1000 employees, and 17% answered that they hate bosses who take credit for their employees’ work. It is also the primary reason why many employees have left their job.
Work grabber managers are quite stressful to work with. You feel unappreciated and worthless that can affect your well-being and mental health.
Many are scared to stand up or fight for themselves. But, it is a must to protect yourself as well as your colleagues in your office. You have to point out to your boss what is ethical so that he can repent and grow.
So, if your boss is like this, what would you do? Some of your options may include:
- Talking to your boss directly
- Quitting your job
- Tell everyone in the office that it’s your work.
- Keep it to yourself
When deciding which step to take, consider everything around you that might get affected. Take it slow, do not barge at your boss’s office and start nagging.
We have listed below some of the problems you might have if you are in this situation. And to help you out, we have included the possible solutions.
Table of Contents
Reasons Why Your Boss Steal Your Work
Your boss has its reasons why he steals your work. Before you take any action after realizing you are being robbed, it is best to know his motives. Below are the possible reasons why your boss is doing this.
1. Bosses think they are entitled to own their employees’ work.
Some bosses make sure that they take all the credits on everything their team produces. And since the bosses are always blamed for several challenges, from delayed projects and low earnings, they feel that they should get all the credits for whatever their employees produce.
2. Some companies have no clear guidelines as to who will get the credit.
This behavior is sometimes allowed in some companies. They do not have clear guidelines for who will get the credits, the employee, the team, or the bosses. It is quite frustrating on the part of the employee. This might also cause employees to be less motivated.
3. Some bosses feel threatened.
Bosses who feel threatened by a particular employee are the ones who usually do such action. If they notice that one of their employees is smarter or the ideas he/she have in mind are valuable than others. They are doing this so it will not expose their shortcomings.
4. Due to the competitive job market
Because of the market’s tough competition and increasing, unemployment rate bosses feel that they need to protect their position at all costs. So, they feel uncomfortable if one of their employees is more efficient than them.
5. For recognition
Bosses think that if they put their name on the project, the superiors will recognize it easily and gets more attention. Some employees may agree on this with their boss. But it would be best if your boss will include your name on it.
Vital Stats and Facts You Need to Know
As mentioned earlier, employees hate managers that steal the work of their employee. This is quite understandable.
Imagine yourself working hard over a project night and day, and when you submit your work, it’s your boss who gets the praise and recognition from the superiors. This is quite frustrating on your part.
The study also shows that younger employees can tolerate such an act. But for older employees, this is unacceptable. Around 57% of employees aged 18-29 says it is acceptable. Approximately 77% of employees aged 60 and up think it is intolerable. While 20% of managers feel the behavior is inappropriate.
This situation might affect employee retention. It can lead to employees having low morale, feel unappreciated, and might consider resigning. The employee thinks their hard work was wasted. Around 44% of employees say it’s the primary reason why they quit the job.
Dealing with the situation is not easy, considering that it’s a battle between you and your boss. It is easy for some to say that let it pass. But your pride and ego are telling you the other way around.
Below are issues that you might encounter while dealing with the situation. To help you out, we also provided some solutions that you can consider.
Problem #1 : How to Talk to Your Boss Directly Without Offending Him/Her
Talking to your boss can be challenging, particularly when it comes to a sensitive topic, such as getting all the credits meant for you. You need to consider things like your position in the office, your relationship with your boss, and keeping true to your values.
Make sure you know the consequences of doing this and be prepared. But, if you and your boss can sort things out, you will have a healthy relationship in your workplace.
So, how will you do this without making the situation worst?
1. State your point clearly
Ask your boss directly and firmly why he takes all the credit for the work you have done. Doing this makes him understand that you will not take it lightly. If you show that you are submissive, there is a possibility that your boss will continue to do this.
If you do not act right away, do not expect someone else to fight for you.
2. Be respectful
Your boss is still your boss, no matter what. Treat him/her with respect. There is no need to raise your voice to stress your point. But make sure you are firm enough with your position.
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Some bosses accept their fault and would correct their fault right away. But some bosses would ignore your sentiments. No matter what type of boss you have, talk to him professionally.
3. Do not beat around the bush.
You don’t have to make a long introduction. Go straight to the point. State your purpose why you need to talk to him. Do not spend ten minutes beating around the bush. You are both busy, so do not waste time. Present your point in a manner that is easy to understand.
According to a Gallup.com report in 2017, around 51% of employees leave their current work due to their boss’s misunderstanding. You don’t want to be part of these statistics. Listen to what your manager has to say. If you think it is not acceptable, you have to decide whether to keep your job or leave your job.
Problem #2 How to Make Sure It Will Not Impact Your Other Works
Just because your boss is taking all the credit for your work, you cannot take revenge by giving poor quality work on your next project. This is not the work of a professional. If you do this, it might backfire on you.
Many employees are doing this wrong and stupid thing to tackle the situation. No matter what problems you need to face in your workplace, you should not let them affect your work quality. If you love your job, make sure you are doing justice to the position you are holding.
Showing everybody that you are good in every work you do is enough to prove yourself. Your boss may have stolen some of your work, but it is not a reason for you to stop working at your best.
So, how will you make sure that the situation will not affect your work? The following solution could help you.
1. Take a break
If you don’t feel like going to work because of frustration, don’t go to work. Take a break and free yourself from the stress and anxiety you might be experiencing.
According to the study done at the University of Illinois in 2011, the human brain drops after a long period of doing one task.
It decreases the employee’s ability to concentrate and might affect the performance. If you choose to stay in the company despite what your boss has done to you, then make sure you give your best on the next task. One way to do this is to take a break from work, then return to work to prove yourself.
Other benefits of taking a break are as follows:
- It helps you think better and decide intelligently.
- You will get a better view of the bigger picture.
- Improved mental well-being
2. Stay focused
After learning that your boss gets all the credits for your work, you might get distracted and lose your concentration at work. If you want to show everybody that you should have to get all the credits and not your boss, you need to remain focused.
But how will you do this? Well, check out the following tips:
- Do not procrastinate.
- Take a break after completing a task.
- Avoid multi-tasking, complete one work at a time.
- Organize your work – start with the hardest and end with the simplest.
3. Get rid of the negative thoughts
If you keep thinking about how you can get even with your boss, it will not help you. Eliminate the negative thoughts, be optimistic. Work hard and focus. If it happens again, maybe it’s time for you to change your plans.
There is nothing you can do at the moment but to accept it.
Continue providing good work. This time make sure that you document everything, particularly any essential projects. If you keep good records and find yourself in a situation where you are asked to give information or how you came up with the concept, you will be prepared.
Also, it is best if you share your ideas, not only with your boss. Let others in the team know about it as well.
So even if your boss takes all the credits, your co-employees know that it was your idea.
Problem #3 –
Whom to Talk to After Learning Your Boss Takes Credit for your Work?
You can talk to someone and ask for their opinion about the matter. It will help you confirm that what you think is not purely subjective. Lack of substantial evidence and reliable witness- it’s a battle between your words against your boss.
Look for someone credible enough that is knowledgeable in the workplace. Tell your story to others and listen to their opinions to help you understand different nuances and understand your boss’s behavior.
1. Confide with your previous managers
The best person you can talk with about your situation is your past manager. They can provide you professional opinions. Since it involves your boss, they can give you wise advice. Hearing their advice and opinions can reduce your confusion and frustration.
Talking to your previous boss can be your deciding point.
2. Talk to your co-employees
Your colleagues can give you also good advice. Since you cannot think well, let your co-employees weigh the situation and help you.
They may have to contradict opinions, but it will help you a lot. The fact that they are close to you and your boss, and they are aware of his behavior and your situation, they can make opinions accurately.
3. Ask a friend or family member’s opinion.
Your friends will always be there when you need them. Tell them what you feel. They may not be able to give you accurate advice, but you will feel relieved if you open up to them. You can talk to them without restrictions.
Conclusion
Leaving your job because your boss steals your work should be your last option. If you cannot work comfortably at work with your boss, then go ahead and pass your resignation letter.
Ensure that you indicate to HR your reasons for leaving, so the company will know the truth.
Telling the truth does not mean pulling your boss down. It’s a way of letting go of the burden you are carrying. You may not get the recognition that your boss stole from you, at least you have peace of mind, and you do not lose your confidence and remain motivated.
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