What to do if co-worker is stealing your ideas

Q: Every time I have a great idea, my co-worker steals the idea (and the credit). My boss thinks this guy is brilliant and has no idea he is just a thief.

How can I make it clear to my boss that I'm the one coming up with the solutions?

A: Instead of trying to make your co-worker look bad, ask yourself how it has come to be that this guy finds it so easy to nab your best ideas.

My general rule is if someone behaves badly once, it is an accident. If he behaves badly twice, it is a pattern. And if a person behaves badly three times in a row, you had better anticipate that behavior unless you enjoy being treated shabbily.

You have two easy solutions here, and one might have entertainment value for you.

You could feed your co-worker bad ideas and/or make certain he no longer has access to any of your files. Whatever you do, don't assume he will have a sudden attack of conscience and change his mode of operation.

You also need to get more proactive with your boss.

Figure out the best time (and way) to connect with your boss so you can download your good ideas with his or her feedback before implementing your projects. It will be impossible for your co-worker to take credit if you've already talked to your boss.

To repair the damage that has already been done, do not storm into your boss's office and label your co-worker a "thief."

Instead, when referring to past projects, give your co-worker credit. Say something like, "I'm glad Ted has been thorough in keeping you in the loop about the suggestion I made to him to cut our 2007 expenses."

Bosses hate to feel like a principal between two fighting kids on a playground. Make your point, but don't make your boss feel like a referee.

You'll gain credit for your past ideas. You'll also earn the respect of your boss for dealing with your co-worker's annoying behavior with maturity and interpersonal sophistication.

The last word(s)

Q: I think my boss is upset at me and thinking of firing me. How can I tell?

A: Ask! Information is your best defense against an unexpected firing.

Daneen Skube, Ph.D., is an executive coach, trainer, therapist, speaker and author of "Interpersonal Edge: Breakthrough Tools for Talking to Anyone, Anywhere, About Anything" (Hay House, 2006). She can be reached at 1420 N.W. Gilman Blvd., No. 2845, Issaquah, WA 98027-7001; by e-mail at interpersonaledge@comcast.net; or at www.interpersonaledge.com. Sorry, no personal replies.