The sixth in a series of people you may run into at any workplace
Who is the “Idea Poacher”?
I think you all know this one as well some of the others, this is the person you either told of an idea or they over heard you talking about it and they go off and do it. They may also be the one who simply takes credit for your ideas.
The issue with this one is that if you complain, i.e. point out that it was your idea, you look petty.
What do you do?
Give them the benefit of the doubt and let them know what they did… maybe they didn’t realize that they undercut you. Maybe they thought you were helping them but didn’t realize it was your idea and ran with it later and they will back off.
If it happens again, let them know immediately and if this doesn’t work then run it up the management ladder. You can try, “Yes, that’s the idea I was sharing with James right before you came over.” or “in the break room”, etc.
A great option is this, “Hey Karen, I’ve noticed that when I mention ideas to you, you’ll often present them to Ken without mentioning they came from me. I want the big cheese to know what I’m contributing, so going forward I want to share my thoughts and ideas with him myself rather than you presenting them for me. Cool?”
If someone tries to pull this move in front of your superior, you can try this kind of response, ” Yes, that is what I was sharing with Tony in the vestibule earlier today. My thinking is this…” and then go on to finish your idea by taking control of the discussion and getting your idea across as yours.
