September 30, 2014

The Incredible Power of Not Taking Credit

Most of us like to receive credit for what we do. It can be a huge motivational factor, and it makes us feel good to be recognized - especially if we've put in the time and effort. But sometimes it can really be to your own advantage to let someone else score points. Bruce Kasanoff makes this point well in his article, "The Incredible Power of Not Taking Credit."

Nothing limits your ability to achieve great things more than your desire to take credit for what you have achieved.
-Bruce Kasanoff

Because compensation and promotion revolves around getting credit, many employees spend more time worrying about who will get the credit, than they do about results. You can accomplish much more if you don't worry about who gets the credit. It's easy to nudge people in certain direction if your goal is not to get credit, but to affect change.

Some ways to nudge:
  1. Set fires under people. Get them excited about their job, a project, etc. Don't push your plan; pick an idea that seems disconnected from you.
  2. Demonstrate by doing.
  3. Take genuine joy in the success of others.
  4. Allow time for things to happen. Be persistent, but patient.

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