But then, halfway through the meeting, your colleague Brian chimes in with a “new idea.” He essentially rephrases what you just said, but with a bit of extra flair. The team reacts as if they’re hearing it for the first time, heaping praise on Brian for his “insightful” suggestion. You sit there, feeling invisible, wondering if anyone else noticed.

This time, I chose to speak up. I waited for Brian to finish and then said, “Actually, I mentioned a similar approach earlier, so I’m glad we’re on the same page, Brian! I’d love to expand on this a bit more.” The room went silent for a beat. Brian looked a little sheepish, and my manager nodded, inviting me to elaborate. The credit had been restored, and I was able to reassert myself without escalating the situation.

The Lesson: Reclaiming credit isn’t about ego; it’s about visibility and respect. Many Black professionals know the feeling of being overlooked or having our contributions appropriated by others. By calmly asserting ownership, we remind ourselves and others of our value and contributions to the team.

Practical Takeaway: When someone reclaims your idea, don’t let it slide. Instead, try responding with a friendly, “I’m so glad you’re aligned with my approach!” or “Great minds think alike!” followed by a few details of your original suggestion. It gently reminds the team of who initially brought it to the table without creating tension.

Catch up on more career stories and insights HERE. Remember: your work is powerful, and so are you.