032 Credit Is Infinitely Divisible
The Influence Every Day Show with Dr. Ed Tori
This is Dr. Tori. Welcome to the Influence Every Day Show, where we make every day better and influence for good.
Have you ever worked with someone who always took the credit? How did that feel? What’s remarkable about credit is that it’s infinitely divisible. When you give credit to someone for their contribution, acknowledging what they’ve done, how they've helped, or what role they've played, it doesn’t take away an ounce of your own credit.
As long as you're sincere, giving credit doesn’t diminish anyone else’s contributions. Recognize actual contributions, be genuine, and avoid overdoing it—this isn’t a case where “everyone gets a trophy.” At one extreme, you have people who always take credit, and at the other, people who over-credit everyone. Finding the balance is key.
A. It Has to Be Sincere: When credit is sincere, it’s powerful.
B. Credit is Infinitely Divisible: It can be shared widely, given to all who contributed, including those who may have been unseen or unheard. Giving credit in front of others is a sign of true leadership.
Taking all the credit, on the other hand, destroys your team and your leadership. It creates a slow, corrosive effect if you keep taking credit without acknowledging others.
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Why Giving Credit Matters
Giving credit builds trust. If you’ve ever worked for someone who acknowledges your efforts, especially when you’re not there, you know it feels amazing. You can trust that person to speak up for you even in your absence.
Credit also increases engagement. When someone recognizes your contribution, doesn’t it make you want to do more? Conversely, when credit is withheld, it leads to disengagement and can foster gossip and negativity.
Giving credit is a powerful tool of leadership—it motivates people, boosts morale, and nurtures a collaborative culture. If you want people to work together, you have to foster an environment that encourages and rewards collaboration. Over time, those who habitually give credit build a reputation and character that others admire.
Think about gratitude. We often hear about gratitude journaling and the importance of expressing thanks. Giving credit is one of the most meaningful ways to express gratitude.
Common Mistakes in Giving Credit
Insincerity: Insincere credit is obvious. It’s in the body language, facial expressions, and voice. If you can’t sincerely give credit, it’s better not to do it at all.
Fear of Diminishing Your Own Credit: There’s a misconception that giving credit takes something away from you. It doesn’t.
Vagueness: Saying “She was great on the team” is too generic. Be specific—highlight exactly how the person contributed.
The “Everyone Gets a Trophy” Approach: Avoid the tendency to over-credit. When everyone is praised equally, it loses meaning. People can feel when it’s not genuine or deserved.
Overlooking Invisible Contributions: Recognize the unseen contributions that make everything work, like the person setting up the room or managing the audio at a conference. These roles are critical, even if they go unnoticed until something goes wrong.
Timing Matters
If you delay giving credit, it loses impact. Recognize contributions in a timely manner, so it feels sincere and relevant.
Practical Tips for Giving Credit
Be Specific: Highlight exactly what someone brought to the team, whether it’s energy, skill, or insights. Specificity strengthens your acknowledgment.
Balance Public and Private Recognition: Public acknowledgment, especially when unexpected, can have a tremendous impact. Private credit can be even more meaningful, especially if you take a moment to single someone out and express your gratitude directly.
Incorporate Contributions into the Narrative: Weave people’s contributions into the story of a project or achievement. If you leave them out later when recounting the story, you risk undermining the credit you’ve given in the past.
Credit as a Command
“Credit” isn’t just a noun—it’s also a command, a reminder to give credit generously and sincerely. Recognize that it’s infinitely divisible.
Closing Thoughts
So, who will you give credit to today? Who will you acknowledge? Who will you pull aside to thank? Take a moment to say, “This wouldn’t have happened without your contribution.”
I’ll see you in the next episode.
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