Conversation Planner · for managers
How to talk to an employee who takes credit for others' work
Read the approach below, or skip ahead and get a plan written for your own situation.
Plan my conversation — free ↓Why the usual approach fails
It's tempting to correct it publicly or let the team sort it out. Public correction humiliates; silence tells everyone it's allowed. Often the person hasn't noticed they do it. A private conversation with one precise example is enough to change it.
How to open
"In Thursday's leadership update you presented the pricing analysis as yours. Dana built most of it, and she was in the room. I don't think you meant anything by it, but I want to talk about how it landed."
Ask before you tell
- "How do you think Dana experienced that?"
- "How do you decide whose name goes on work?"
- "What would giving credit look like in your next update?"
What to agree before you leave the room
A simple practice: name contributors on every piece of shared work, starting with a correction to Dana this week.
Make it yours — free
Edit the details below to match your situation and get a full five-step COACH plan by email.
Other conversations
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- How to talk to an employee who doesn't keep you updated →
Built on the COACH method by Jon Kludt, Business Coach · Certified EOS Implementer® · thecoachconversation.com