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Your team member steals credit for your algorithm design. How will you address this breach of trust?

When a team member claims your work as their own, it's crucial to approach the situation tactfully. Here's how to handle the breach of trust:

  • Document your contributions: Keep a record of your work and correspondence to prove authorship.

  • Seek a private discussion: Talk to the individual calmly to express your concerns and seek resolution.

  • Involve leadership if necessary: If the issue persists, escalate it to a manager with your documentation.

How would you handle someone taking credit for your work? Share your strategies.

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Your team member steals credit for your algorithm design. How will you address this breach of trust?

When a team member claims your work as their own, it's crucial to approach the situation tactfully. Here's how to handle the breach of trust:

  • Document your contributions: Keep a record of your work and correspondence to prove authorship.

  • Seek a private discussion: Talk to the individual calmly to express your concerns and seek resolution.

  • Involve leadership if necessary: If the issue persists, escalate it to a manager with your documentation.

How would you handle someone taking credit for your work? Share your strategies.

Add your perspective
Help others by sharing more (125 characters min.)
7 answers
  • Contributor profile photo
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    Vaibhav Kokate

    🔸Aspiring Computer Engineer | Japanese Language Enthusiast | Tech Innovator | SKNCOE "25

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    When someone takes credit for your work, handle it calmly and constructively. Start by documenting your contributions meticulously. Initiate a private discussion with the individual, expressing your concerns professionally and seeking to understand their perspective. Propose a collaborative approach to ensure proper credit in the future. If the issue persists, escalate it to a manager with your documentation. Reflect on the experience to learn and prevent similar issues. By maintaining professionalism and a positive attitude, you can resolve the situation effectively and ensure your contributions are recognized.

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    Jaideep Lalchandani

    Fullstack Software Engineer @Falabella | Linkedin Top Voice (SD) | AWS Cloud Certified | JavaScript | TypeScript | React | Node | Next.js

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    "Stand up for your work, protect your impact." 📑 Keep Evidence: Document contributions to confirm authorship. 🤝 Have a Private Talk: Address the issue directly and diplomatically. 🚀 Escalate if Needed: Approach leadership with records if it continues!

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    B. Lee Jones 李琼斯 ,MBA

    Visionary | Board Member | Interim & Fractional CxO | Technologist | Keynote Speaker | Polyglot | Polymath | Smart Cities | AI | Quantum Computing | QKD | Blockchain | 戦士 | قيادة | πολεμιστής | suvwI'

    • Report contribution

    Addressing a breach of trust when a team member steals credit for your algorithm design requires a professional, measured approach. First, gather all documentation & evidence showing your contribution to the project. Then, initiate a private, respectful conversation with the individual to clarify the situation & express your concerns. If the issue isn’t resolved, escalate it to your management or HR, presenting your evidence without being confrontational. Throughout the process, focus on maintaining transparency, emphasizing collaboration & seeking a resolution that reinforces integrity within your team while protecting your own professional reputation.

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    3
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    Sidney M.

    USN ET Veteran • 15+ Years STEM Professional with a Passion for Solving Real-World Problems (Leadership & Hands-On Experience)

    • Report contribution

    When a team member claims your work, addressing it tactfully is essential. Start by documenting all contributions, including dates, dependencies, and any distinguishing features to establish authorship. Building a transparent track record with your manager can also reinforce your ownership. If an issue arises, approach the colleague privately to clarify and seek resolution. Misunderstandings happen, and a direct conversation may resolve it. If the issue persists, escalate it to leadership, presenting your documentation calmly. Boundaries and clear communication foster trust and mutual respect.

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    3
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    Muhammad Zunnurain Hussain

    🚀 SMIEEE | P-ACM | Cybersecurity Strategist | Multi-Cloud Architect | AWS Educator | Gen AI Evangelist | MIET | MIAENG | MBCS | MICST | Academic Editor & Reviewer | IT & Network Security Leader 🌐

    • Report contribution

    I would address the situation by first having a private, direct conversation with the team member to understand their perspective and clarify any misunderstandings. I would emphasize the importance of teamwork, mutual respect, and ethical behavior in acknowledging each individual's contributions. If the issue remains unresolved, I would involve a neutral third party, such as a supervisor or HR, to mediate the discussion and ensure a fair resolution. My focus would be on maintaining a professional atmosphere while protecting my rights and promoting a culture of transparency and integrity within the team.

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    Unwana Robert

    CEO OREGANO GROUP OF COMPANIES

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    Actually I'll just seek a private discussion, document what ever I am doing or bringing up in the project. If none works I'll seek expertise advise

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    Evangelos Komnis
    • Report contribution

    Such an action would be quite disappointing, but given that in algorithm design, it's often straightforward to demonstrate the originality of my work. Beyond the existing software/systems that can verify my work, the real designer is the one who knows every detail. In any case, it’s essential to address this issue calmly. Initially, it would be best to speak directly with the person allegedly 'claiming' the work as theirs and discuss the situation. If this doesn't resolve the problem, then it might be appropriate to bring it to the attention of a supervisor, who will know how to handle it appropriately. Of course, I would present the relevant evidence to support my claim.

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    1
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