Surviving a glory thief: A guide for the undervalued
Here’s a survival guide for when your coworker takes credit and steals your spotlight!
There’s a special kind of pain that comes from watching someone else accept applause for something you did.
It’s like being at your own birthday party… and someone else is blowing out your candles, eating your cake, and somehow also opening your presents.
Yes, we’re talking about the co-worker credit thief. The human version of a “group project” parasite.
Fear not, brave worker bee. Here’s your 6-step guide to surviving the Office Olympics event known as Credit Theft.
ALSO READ: The best school tuck shop in KZN is…
Step 1: Don’t throw your stapler
Tempting? Absolutely. Productive? Eh… not so much.
Let’s keep our criminal records as clean as our inboxes.
Take a breath… or three.
Step 2: Document everything
Keep a digital paper trail. Emails, messages, even your WhatsApp notes.
If you pitch an idea, send it in writing.
Bonus: when the moment comes to drop receipts, you can do so gently… or with a little Beyoncé energy.
Step 3: Practice “Credit CPR”
CPR = Correct. Politely. Repeatedly.
If someone credits the wrong person in a meeting, just say, “Thanks, I’m glad that idea landed well. I’ve been working on it since last week.”
BOOM. Casual correction with a hint of savage sweetness.
Step 4: Get theatrical (if necessary)
Next time you know someone might swipe your work, go full dramatic and attach a watermark that says something like “Created by Me, Myself & I.”
You score bonus points if you add your face in the corner like a YouTuber explaining a conspiracy.
Step 5: Talk to your manager… but not like you’re snitching
This is chess, not checkers.
Position it like: “Hey, just wanted to flag something I’ve noticed. I want to make sure I’m being clear about the work I’m contributing to the team.”
You’re not being petty. You’re just protecting your brand, baby.
Step 6: Protect your peace
If you can’t fight it, highlight it.
Keep track of your wins, give yourself credit, and if need be, find an environment that actually sees you.
You’re not a ghost in the machine. You’re the reason the machine works.
KZN had some insane credit theft stories that shocked us and gave us trust issues.
Take a listen below:
HOW TO LISTEN TO EAST COAST RADIO
1. Listen to East Coast Radio on the FM (frequency modulation) spectrum between 94 and 95 FM on your radio.
2. Listen live to ECR by clicking here or download the ECR App (iOS/Android).
3. Listen to East Coast Radio on the DStv audio bouquet
4. Switch to the audio bouquet on your OpenView decoder and browse to channel 606.
5. Listen to us on Amazon Alexa
Follow us on social media:
· TikTok