Your colleague has taken credit for your ideas in a presentation. How will you address this breach of trust?

Many student encounter this unfavorable situation as a result of sometimes trying to assist a colleague on an assignment. Before you seek for justice, you need to make sure that you have what it takes to defend yourself, that is to say how you came up with that idea. Before the above decision is taken, there is the need to approach the said colleague to figure out the intentions because technologies comes with its disadvantage whereby a tool may fail and you may need to figure out something quickly because of time constraints especially during presentations.

By trying to understand your colleague's intent, you can determine if it was a malicious act or a misunderstanding. Did they intentionally take your idea and claim it as their own, or did they forget to give you credit in the heat of the moment?

Being blindsided by a stolen idea can be frustrating. Taking time to plan allows you to gather your thoughts and emotions. This will help you approach the conversation in a calm and collected manner, increasing the chances of a productive outcome.

Stick to the facts of the situation. Avoid accusatory language or personal attacks. Focus on the specific idea and how it was presented. Clearly state that your idea was presented without attribution. This avoids ambiguity and ensures your colleague understands your concern.

By seeking a solution, you shift the focus from blame to finding a way to move forward. This can help de-escalate the situation and create a more collaborative atmosphere.

By clearly communicating what you consider acceptable collaboration and what constitutes stealing, you set boundaries for future interactions. This helps safeguard your ideas and hard work.

Schedule a meeting with the aforementioned colleague, Project Manager & the Line Manager. Because this person might not admit their deceit in private, its necessarily to bring in the key stakeholders. You have full right to Question this colleague, on why they took credit for your ideas. Emphasize the importance of authenticity in work, following the organizational standards. Unethical behaviour must be nipped in the bud.

Calmly assessing intentions can facilitate finding an effective solution. Perhaps the colleague is unaware that their actions have breached trust. Asking them how they felt the presentation went and how they feel the ideas were communicated can help us understand whether they intentionally breached trust. Actively listening to their perspective before highlighting concerns can show genuine care for their perspective and encourage them to engage productively with your point of view.