I have always enjoyed a great working relationship with my boss, whom I respected. Recently, however, I have seen a change in her behaviour and I am pretty sure she has passed off some of my work as her own. How do I ensure I get the recognition I deserve but avoid causing conflict?

This is a common problem experienced by many talented people at work and one that I imagine occurs more often between a male boss and a female subordinate. Over the years, I have heard many women managers complain about their bosses taking credit for their work, and I suspect one of the reasons for this could be women tend to be less assertive than men and want to have harmonious relationships at work.

Check facts and analyse motives

The first thing you need to do before getting involved in a confrontation is check the facts. Has she really passed off your work as her own or has there been a misunderstanding?

If you find she has taken credit for your work, the next thing to do is to understand why she might have done this, again before discussing it with her. Trying to understand her motive might help you to find a way to deal with it. For example, if she has done this because she is beginning to feel threatened by your success and competence and fears that ultimately you might be promoted above her, then you might find a way to make her feel less threatened so that it does not occur again, while at the same time getting recognition for your work.You also need to subtly let her know that you know that she has taken credit for your work.

If, on the other hand, she actually thinks it is primarily her work, that it was her idea and all you did was work on the margins of the project, then you have a communications problem with her.

Understanding the possible motive is important, because if she feels threatened by you then whatever you do to confront her and deal with the issue is likely to initiate a defensive response.

Talk

Regardless of what her motive is, you will need to talk to her. It is important that this talk should take place at a time and place that is appropriate and not when she is under any stress.

You are now armed with a possible motive, and you need to share - in a non-confrontational way - your concerns. Remember, up until now you have had a “great working relationship”, so there is still emotional capital there to draw on.

Look for a win-win solution

As a team you should both get credit and recognition for what you both do, even though one may be doing more work on a particular project than another.

Keep everybody aware

All too often people get so absorbed in their work that they forget about keeping their line manager aware of their progress. Frequently updating your boss creates a trail of evidence, minimises communications problems and also makes it difficult for her to claim “property rights” over your work. As an additional protective move, it might be a good idea to keep your boss's boss up-to-date on your progress in case the situation arises again.

- Cary L. Cooper, CBE, is professor of organisational psychology and health at Lancaster University Management School, and co-author of Surviving the Workplace.

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