Coworker shuts down employee's idea in front of external partner, then presents it to the team as her own after realizing it works: ‘I was the one pushing for the change’

Author image for Cata Holmes
Cata Holmes • Writer
Oct 4, 2026 3:15 PM EDT

Funny how a bad idea becomes brilliant once someone else gets to present it.

I've heard stories like this before, and some of them remind me of a little anecdote that I have for you…

A couple of years ago, I was working for a real estate agency in the marketing department. There were two of us on the team; it was a small one, since we were the ones developing the department. Everything had to be created, and we had a bunch of different ideas. I had one idea, a very good idea that innovated the way we scripted the videos that were showing off the houses that were for sale. 

My partner didn't think much of it, since she didn't think it went with the vibe of the company. She had more experience than me and had been working there for two years before I joined, so I trusted her and forgot about it. A couple of days later, my boss called both of us to a meeting, and he basically said to start implementing that idea. 

I was surprised and didn't really follow what he said until he congratulated my partner, and then I realized she had presented my idea as her own to my boss. I didn't say anything because I was new and didn't want to cause any problems between the two of us. But I should have said something, not to my boss, but to her. It was my idea, and she shouldn't have done that.

Imagine how I felt when I read this story… it was like I was talking to myself. I'd recommend the employee call the coworker out and claim what she deserves. It was her idea, and she deserves the credit for it. On the other hand, I'll never understand how some coworkers can actually do that and take others' ideas. Aren't we supposed to be a team? We are pushing towards the same goal; why would you do this to me? Anyways, I think I'm taking this too personally now…

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  • Two coworkers talk in a modern office.
    via Unsplash+ (via Linkedin Sales Solutions)

    Two coworkers talk in a modern office.

    Stock photo unrelated.

  • Coworker initially pushed back on my idea, then presented it to the team without acknowledging my contribution — worth addressing?
    via elle_luo
  • I have a colleague I don't particularly enjoy working with and have gotten a weird vibe from for a while. I'm wondering if a recent situation is worth addressing or if I should just let it go.
    via elle_luo
  • During a meeting with an external partner, I suggested changing part of something she was leading. She initially pushed back pretty strongly and said the current approach was
    via elle_luo
  • intentional/standard. I didn't want to disagree in front of the partner, so I spoke with her separately afterward and encouraged her to get input from another internal group.
    via elle_luo
  • She did, and then brought the idea to our broader team as something we should consider changing going forward. What bothered me was that she presented it without
    via elle_luo
  • acknowledging that I had originally raised and advocated for it, despite initially disagreeing with me. I don't need credit for every idea, but it didn't feel particularly collegial, especially since I was
    via elle_luo
  • the one pushing for the change in the first place.
    via elle_luo
  • I feel pretty strongly about bringing this to her directly but also wondering if this is something I can present as feedback to my manager (who is very approachable).
    via elle_luo
  • Two coworkers discuss an idea at a computer.
    via Unsplash+ (via LinkedIn Sales Solutions)

    Two coworkers discuss an idea at a computer.

    Recreated scenario included to enhance reader understanding.  

  • Billy BobChorton Mention it explicitly numerous times. Especially if they don't ever acknowledge it.
    via elle_luo
  • LozBoz413 Not being funny, if someone did that to me I'd out then in front of everyone in the team internally. If they don't want to act professional then they can get a taste of their own medicine.
    via elle_luo
  • Optimal-Wonder-1281 Then do something. Or not and take the back seat. No one's your buddy in corporate. Rub those elbows or enjoy the back seat
    via elle_luo
  • K-Sparkle8852 One option is to change your approach in providing feedback. Provide your feedback in group settings.
    via elle_luo
  • London242 What outcome do you want after confronting?
    via elle_luo
  • Two colleagues review work together at a computer.
    via Unsplash+ (via LinkedIn Sales Solutions)

    Two colleagues review work together at a computer.

    Representative only.

  • Zhivago Troika Yeah, but there are clever ways to do this publicly
    via elle_luo
  • jk5529977 Kind of sounds like they took your advice but were embarrassed when you gave it. They could be sensitive or your delivery could be rough.
    via elle_luo
  • ZenAEye I think that soon in another internal meeting, you will get the chance to mention that this was your idea by referencing this meeting with the external stakeholder. But you now have learnt that you should not give her any ideas without an internal person present, to back you up.
    via elle_luo
  • raeadaler I had a coworker who took my analysis in the videos we spent three months looking at her Greenbelt to us exactly what I asked in a conversation and spreadsheet to relieve some money that was being spent and she did a green belt and was promoted
    via elle_luo
  • Pugs914 I just wouldn't waste a second telling said employee anything anymore. Colleagues are not ultimately your friends. They are simultaneously only there because they also have bills and are also being paid.
    via elle_luo

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