Frances Horibe's

The Dangers of Being Too Capable at Your Job Some people have the charming but erroneous belief that all they need to do to get ahead is be really capable at their jobs. I have discussed this in other posts, but I want to focus on a particular subset—when it can actually be bad for your career to be good. When being really capable is bad A couple of things have to kick in for this to happen but they are not that uncommon. Your boss sees you as instrumental to his success First, of course, you have to be good at your job. And often be the only one in your area who can do whatever you do as well as you do it (did that sentence make sense? I think it did—anyhow, you are very, very good). Because of this, you’re instrumental in your boss reaching his goals, so he needs your work even if he never admits it. But he knows. He may even praise you in team meetings and other internal venues. Your boss is a jerk But there is a necessary second condition—your boss is kind of a jerk. Because your boss knows he needs…

Getting Your Ideas Heard We’ve been discussing dealing with the theft of your idea by a co-worker. The discouraging truth seems to be that it’s very hard to win this battle. So, instead you need to win the war and get your ideas heard. Become the go-to idea guy A much more positive way to approach this is to become the go-to idea guy. That is, the person the boss expects to come up with original ideas. First, of course, you have to have the innovative ideas to pitch. That I can’t help you with. If you do not typically come up with new takes, then I’d make my mark in some other way. Otherwise, you’ll end up like Emmett. But having the idea is not enough. You’ve got to get the powers-that-be excited about it. Getting new ideas heard and adopted Again, if you generally work with a good group, you can create that excitement by having lots of colleagues sharing your enthusiasm. This is by far the preferable way to interest your boss. However, if you are in a group with one or more confirmed idea-stealers, you might want to answer the following questions as a way to…

Protecting Yourself against Idea Thieves You assumed, incorrectly in this case, that Emmett was a good colleague who would help you hone and develop your idea. Frankly, I think that’s a good assumption to make generally (more of this later), but equally, you need to be aware if you are working with idea thieves. What can you do to protect yourself against idea thieves? You have already twigged to one strategy—don’t discuss ideas with people like that. But Emmett may ask for your suggestions for an idea he ostensibly has come up with. Do not give him any as he likely has an empty bucket he’s hoping you’ll fill. Instead, say something like, “Gosh, Emmett, I’m blanking. But if I think of anything, I’ll let you know.” Then put it out of your mind and continue with your life. Don’t even do it if he offers to share the credit with you. He won’t and you’ll be back in the same old position. If you come up with an idea, and for some reason, must discuss it with Emmett (e.g. because he has some special expertise), do it in the presence of someone else. You might float it during a…

Doing Nothing when Someone Rips Offs Your Idea Emmett, a co-worker, rips off your idea. He denies it and your mutual boss, Len, doesn’t believe you when you complain. What’s left? Does that mean you should let Emmett get away scott-free? No way. Yes, possibly. You may need to do nothing. The advantages of doing nothing I know, the idea sticks in your craw. But consider the following: It’s your word against Emmett’s. Emmett has more credibility with Len than you do, however undeserved. You risk looking like a whiner to Len. Anything you do is unlikely to make a difference. I can hear the grinding of teeth. This is so unfair. And it is. It seems as if people like Emmett can get profile dishonestly and there seems to be no way to stop him. Actually, in the long run, the Emmetts of the world often get their come-uppance. For one thing, as has already happened in your work group, everyone except you is wise to Emmett and it’s unlikely they’ll float ideas in front of him. So, he has to rely on newbies like you. But you also are once burned, twice shy. Eventually, Emmett is cut off…

Complaining to your Boss when Co-Workers Steal Your Ideas In a previous post, your co-worker (Emmett) had the gall to steal your idea. As a result, the boss Len thinks Emmett is the cat’s pyjamas and has assigned him to develop the idea. Your idea. You tried confronting Emmett but got nowhere. So the next option is complaining to Len. I mean, surely the boss cares about this type of thing. Complaining to Len about the steal So, the next day, you poke your head into Len’s office. You: Hi, got a minute? Len: Sure, what’s up? You: Well, you know that idea you wanted Emmett to develop? Len: Yeah, it’s great. Emmett’s got a knack for coming up with new takes. You: Ah, well, that idea was mine. Len: Yours? What do you mean? You: I told Emmett about it and he stole it to present to you. Len: That’s a serious charge. You: Yeah, but apparently he tries to steal all the time. The others— Len: (holds up a hand) I don’t want to hear gossip. Have you talked to Emmett about this? You: Yes, but he denies it. Len: So, are you sure you didn’t misinterpret what…