Dear Miss Edna,
I work in an office where I put in a lot of effort on projects, but my coworker always finds a way to swoop in at the last minute and take credit for my work. They’ll sit quietly during brainstorming sessions, then suddenly have a lot to say when it’s time to present to our boss—using MY ideas. I’ve tried hinting at it, but it keeps happening. I don’t want to start drama, but I’m sick of feeling like the office doormat. How do I handle this without making things worse?
Sincerely,
The Office Ghostwriter
Dear Office Ghostwriter,
Oh honey, you’ve got yourself a corporate possum—one of those sneaky creatures who plays dead during the hard work, then scurries in to snatch the reward. And while I’d love to suggest you accidentally spill coffee on their next big presentation, we’re aiming for solutions that don’t involve HR meetings, aren’t we?
First things first—hints don’t work on thieves, liars, or toddlers. Your coworker knows they’re stealing your ideas. That’s why they’re doing it. They’re banking on you being too nice to call them out. So let’s change the game.
Here’s how you shut this nonsense down:
1. Document Everything Like You’re Building a Court Case
Start keeping a record of every contribution you make. After brainstorming sessions, send a follow-up email to your team summarizing key points—especially yours. This way, when your coworker tries their little magic trick, you have proof that you said it first.
Example Email:
“Great meeting, everyone! As discussed, I suggested [brilliant idea here], and I look forward to seeing how we move forward with it. Let me know if anyone has additional thoughts!”
That way, when your possum tries to present it as their own, you can smile sweetly and say,
“Oh yes, as I mentioned in my email on Tuesday, I’d love to expand on that!”
Translation: “Try me, Susan. I have receipts.”
2. Beat Them to the Punch
Since they love swooping in at the last second, get ahead of them. If you know a big presentation is coming up, speak first. If your boss asks for updates, be the first voice in the room.
Example in a Meeting:
“I’ve been working on [your idea], and I’d love to present some of my thoughts on how we can execute it.”
Said with a confident smile, this is corporate for “Stay in your lane, Becky.”
3. Call It Out—Politely, But Firmly
If it happens again, don’t stew in silence—address it immediately in a way that makes them uncomfortable without making you look like the problem.
Example Response When They Steal Your Idea in a Meeting:
“Oh, I’m so glad you liked that idea—I remember bringing it up last week! I’d love to hear how you think we can build on it.”
This forces them to acknowledge it was your idea while putting them on the spot to contribute something original (which they probably can’t).
4. If the Boss is Clueless, Loop Them In
If your boss has the observational skills of a potato, make it easy for them to see the truth. Forward your documented ideas directly to them ahead of time.
Example Email to Boss:
“Hey [Boss’s Name], I’ve been working on [idea] and wanted to share my thoughts before the next meeting. Let me know if you’d like any additional details before we present it!”
Now, when your coworker tries to claim credit, your boss has already seen the receipts.
5. If All Else Fails, Make It Awkward
Sometimes, the best response is to be so obvious that it gets uncomfortable.
Example After They Steal Your Idea (One-on-One):
“It’s funny—you and I always seem to come up with the exact same ideas. Almost like we were in the same meeting… oh wait, we were!”
Then, maintain eye contact until they start sweating.
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to be rude. You don’t have to start drama. But you do have to stand up for yourself. If you let people steal your ideas once, they’ll do it again. So stop hinting and start making it very inconvenient for them to claim what isn’t theirs.
Now go on and reclaim your office kingdom, sweetheart. Just remember—success is the best revenge.
Sincerely,
Miss Edna
(Who Has No Patience for Workplace Thieves)