Is it OK to... Avoid Credit-Stealing Colleagues?

Hi Kelly -

I'm on a nonprofit board with someone who name-drops constantly and takes credit for collaborative ideas in public settings. They're well-connected and could help my career, but working with them feels ick. Do I call them out or just avoid partnering with them?

 Credit Thief Dilemma

Dear Credit Thief Dilemma,

Ok, avoidance won't solve the problem. The ick will continue to build.

And here's how I see this scenario: it isn’t about name-dropping or taking credit. It’s about trust. Someone who consistently takes credit for collaborative ideas is telling you exactly how they operate. The question is: are you willing to risk your reputation for possible access to theirs?

If the answer is no — and your instincts say “ick” — trust that.

Now, do you need to call them out? Not necessarily. But you can speak up for yourself and others. Interject when it’s clear something was someone else's idea, not theirs — plainly and professionally. No need to make a scene.

Here’s are some direct, professional scripts you can adapt for the next time this pattern of taking credit happens:

“I think [Name] actually raised that earlier — I want to make sure their point doesn’t get lost in the mix.”

or:

“Just to circle back, I believe that was an idea [Name] mentioned previously — perhaps [Name] could share their vision.”

Or, if you’re stepping in mid-flow:

“Before we move on — I believe this is something several others have discussed and come to a resolution on, perhaps [Name] could confirm?”

Speak up, don't continue to stew on this colleague's poor behavior. The trust and credibility others have for you (isn't that why you were asked to join this not-for-profit board in the first place?) won't thrive if you continue to a vacuum of silence or passive complicity.

OK?

K.

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