President Ronald Reagan said, “It’s amazing what you can accomplish if you don’t care who claims the credit.” Respected leaders give credit where credit is due. He was talking about politics and government, but it certainly applies to all of us, adults and kids, in personal and business relationships.
Do you want your kids to be able to make friends, influence people and be seen as a leader? One of the qualities of a respected friend, influencer and leader is the ability to give credit to others. Is this something you are able to do? Do you model it in your own family or on the job?
Being an effective parent, manager, chairperson or team leader is generally not something you can do on your own. The success of any group (including the family) depends upon all its members. Everyone wants to be acknowledged for their effort and contribution. Whether it’s something they’ve done (“Well-written report for the staff, Joe.”) or something they’ve refrained from doing (“Susie, I know you had something to tell me, and I appreciate that you waited patiently until I was done.”) you’ll earn points and loyalty for giving credit to others.
But you’d like some recognition, right? It’s normal to want it. It feels good and is a real boost to the ego. It will usually come your way, but the point is not to insist on it. (Think about it this way: if everyone followed this practice, they’d be acknowledging your efforts, too.)