The Perils of Taking Credit for Your Team's Work and the Power of Giving It Away

April 16, 2025

When stepping into a new leadership role or joining a fresh circle of peers, it's natural to want to prove yourself. You want to show you're capable, that you bring value, and that you belong.

But in the effort to make a strong impression, some leaders fall into a subtle trap: taking credit for their team's work. It might feel like a shortcut to gaining respect or recognition, but in reality, it sets the stage for long-term damage to your credibility, your relationships, and your team's performance.

It might seem harmless at first: a quick summary of a project win that puts your name front and center, or a meeting where your team’s efforts get folded under your umbrella of leadership. Over time, though, this behavior chips away at trust. Your team notices. Your peers begin to see the pattern. And worst of all, you lose the very thing that makes you a strong leader, an engaged, motivated group of people who want to do great work.

If you consistently take credit in an effort to gain popularity or validation, the rewards are fleeting. You might get a few nods in meetings or a pat on the back, but your influence weakens behind the scenes. Team members become less motivated to innovate or go the extra mile when their efforts aren’t acknowledged. And peers will eventually see through the act, especially when results slow and there’s no one left willing to power the engine behind you.

The alternative is simple and far more powerful: give credit freely and sincerely. When you recognize your team’s contributions, several important things happen.

1. You build trust. People follow leaders who advocate for them. When you share credit openly, you're showing that you're secure and supportive.

2. You strengthen morale. Acknowledgment boosts engagement. When people feel seen and valued, they stay longer, care more, and deliver stronger results.

3. You earn real respect. Leaders who elevate others are the ones people want to work with and support. Giving credit doesn't diminish your influence, it expands it.

4. You create pride and ownership. When people are recognized, they own their work with more confidence and accountability.

Leadership is not about collecting recognition. It is about creating success, and then sharing it. When your team wins and you shine the spotlight on them, you create a culture where success is repeatable, scalable, and deeply rooted. And when your peers see that you lead with integrity, they won’t just accept you, they’ll respect and remember you.