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Jo Ellen knows what works with employees and what makes the leader's job more difficult than it has to be. She also understands that busy leaders need a quick, easy-to-read leadership resource to enhance their effectiveness and lead them to success. A Dog’s Advice to Leaders is just such a resource.

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Giving Credit Where Credit Is Due

January 27th, 2010 • Related • Filed Under

I’ve heard it said that good leaders always take the blame when things go wrong — and they always give credit to those they lead when things go right. I had a recent experience where this did not happen. My boss received a question from an employee. She wrote me an e-mail and asked my advice. Then she responded to the original questioner, offering her the advice that I had given, and signed her name. She did not give me any credit at all.

It would have been so easy. She could have referred the person to me from the get-go. She could have said, “I talked to Jo Ellen and she said …” But she did neither.

It’s funny. I’ve been angry at my boss several times, but this time, I just shrugged my shoulders and said, “Oh, well, business as usual.” I guess I’m getting used to it.

I don’t think this leader is aware of how her actions make others feel. I don’ t think she is a bad person … just an insensitive one at times.

Have you had similar experiences? Or perhaps the opposite kind, where your leader did give you the credit you deserve?

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