An elegant strategy to correct mistaken identity

Q: At big meetings, my boss often jumps up and appoints herself spokesperson for my projects and doesn’t credit me as the driving force. What can I do?

A: You need to set the record straight, or you lose. But tread lightly. How? As soon as it has become clear what she’s doing, don’t sit there and wonder should I, shouldn’t I? Stand up! Immediately! Extemporaneously join her in reporting on the challenges you and she — your boss —and the team encountered and how you all tackled them, while moving this project to a successful conclusion. You’ll leave people with the unmistakable impression of the key role you played. Handle it skillfully enough — for example, praise your boss (yes, your credit thief boss) on specific roles she played and make her look good in front of her peers and superiors — and it will be hard(er) for her to drop the hammer on you later.

Still, you have to be prepared for backlash. It has happened to me, and it isn’t fun. But letting my credit be stolen would have been way less fun — so it was worth it to stick up for myself. I once called out a former boss on credit theft in a group setting, when my hand was forced. She was upset, but  respected me for it. Fight the tendency to sell yourself short just to avoid friction and confrontation.

Dr. Debra Condren is a coach, speaker and author of  “Ambition Is Not A Dirty Word” (Broadway). E-mail your burning questions to   .