Your boss is taking credit for your work. What can you do to make sure you get the recognition you deserve?

1 Assess the situation

Before you confront your boss or escalate the issue, take a step back and assess the situation objectively. How often does your boss take credit for your work? Is it intentional or accidental? How does it affect your performance, reputation, and career prospects? Is there any evidence to support your claims? Try to avoid jumping to conclusions or letting your emotions cloud your judgment. You want to have a clear picture of the problem and its impact before you take any action.

2 Communicate with your boss

The next step is to communicate with your boss in a respectful and professional manner. Explain how you feel when your boss takes credit for your work and how it affects your motivation and productivity. Give specific examples of when and how it happened and what you did to contribute to the project or task. Ask your boss to acknowledge your work and give you feedback on how you can improve. Listen to your boss's perspective and try to understand their reasons and expectations. You may find that your boss was unaware of their behavior or that there was a misunderstanding or miscommunication.

3 Document your work

One of the best ways to protect your work and prove your value is to document your work. Keep a record of your tasks, achievements, and feedback in a file or a portfolio. Use tools like email, calendars, project management software, and reports to track your progress and communicate your results. Share your work with your boss and other relevant stakeholders regularly and ask for their input and approval. This way, you can create a trail of evidence that shows your contributions and accomplishments and prevents your boss from claiming them as their own.

4 Build your network

Another strategy to get the recognition you deserve is to build your network within and outside your organization. Connect with your colleagues, managers, clients, and industry peers and showcase your skills and expertise. Seek opportunities to collaborate, learn, and share best practices with others. Ask for referrals, testimonials, and endorsements from people who appreciate your work and can vouch for your performance. By building your network, you can increase your visibility, credibility, and reputation and gain recognition from multiple sources.

5 Seek external support

If none of the above tips work and your boss continues to take credit for your work, you may need to seek external support. You can talk to a trusted mentor, coach, or counselor who can offer you advice, guidance, and emotional support. You can also consult a human resources representative or a legal advisor who can help you understand your rights and options. Depending on the severity and frequency of the issue, you may need to file a formal complaint, request a mediation, or look for a new job.