Credit Where Credit Is Due

Maybe this is a Western problem – I tend to think as an individualist, and I am competitive and a proud of my work.  Maybe it’s also because I’m old-fashioned and believe in thanking those for the good things they do.

I feel that lately it has been difficult to receive the recognition that I feel I deserve in many instances. For all I know, this could be a sign of things to come as part of being in the “real world.” The fact that it seems to be a chronic problem has prompted me to write this Hub.

When I was a student, praise and acclaim rolled in regularly for myself and others. Certificates, good grades, thank-you gifts, and more were the norm.

Maybe I was spoiled then, but it seems now that such things are very rare. I have always strived to help others and I certainly don’t mind lifting a hand, but because I also believe in “do unto others,” I always notice when I don’t get a nod in my direction.

For instance, my co-workers and I were part of a team working on one of our office’s biggest events of the year. I had been helping with the event for months, taking over work when others were sick or absent, and managing tedious tasks. The event was a success, and afterward, our supervisor invited the team to a special dinner to thank them for their work. Guess who was left out inadvertently!

I tend to get bitter even about the small things; when I hold a door open for someone and they walk right in without saying “thank you,” I’m still sure to say “you’re welcome” (so they can hear, of course). I do feel like I notice it more often now than I did before, however. And I feel like having your accomplishments overlooked can impact things like promotions.

I have spoken to my peers about these issues (not so much holding a door open for others) and get mixed advice. Half say keep quiet and let it be, and the other half say to speak up so you don’t bottle it all up inside (men typically recommend the former, women the latter). To me, it’s not just holding in your feelings, but also getting overlooked by your uppers at work. At the same time, you don’t want to whine.

I am curious to hear your thoughts on this matter of getting credit where credit is due. Is this a timeless issue? Is society changing? Does this tend to happen as you get older? How does this fit in with trying to make your way up the ladder of your organization? Will good karma ensure that you get what’s yours in the end?

If anything, take this as an opportunity to recognize someone around you who is doing great things! Who wants to work where there is no employee recognition?