Unrecognised for Work

Question

In meetings usually, we have a session for recognition's.

In one of the recent sessions, one of the colleagues with whom I worked with listed out everyone who helped her. She had even mentioned those who worked just for a day with her but she didn’t mention me.

I kind of have this feeling that this is personal because when I was working with her she was kind of bullying me and teaching me how to work in an office since I had just joined, she didn’t let me attend some of the meetings, she called herself as a manager (although she is just an analyst)

She isn’t very professional kind of a person, and most of the people who have worked with her (juniors) aren’t happy with it since she nags a lot and says stuff.

I know this might not sound such a big deal but given the fact for the time period I worked with her she kept making it difficult for me to work.

I want to know if this behavior is justified? If Yes, then if faced in such a situation how to deal with it, or should I start looking for other places?

Edit 01: I worked with her for a decent amount of time and it unloaded the burden (I was working for two people simultaneously, since they were OOO for a couple of days.)

Answer 1

Unfortunately, these things happen in the offices around the world.

• People do not get recognized for what they do good.
• People are wrongfully accused of a wide array of faults.
• Colleagues behave too bossy.
• and the list can go on for quite a long time.

The best thing you can do is to move forward, and not get stopped by all those problems. Even better, while you go ahead, try to fix them.

The best bet is to have private discussion with the colleagues you feel uncomfortable with, and ask them the following questions:

• how do they see you / your behavior;
• how do they expect your behavior to be;
• what they expect you to do, and in how much time.

Do not counter whatever they say. It is OK though to ask for clarifications.

As a conclusion, ask them to help you improve. The best thing that they can do is to tell you:

• nicely if possible;
• privately (highly preferred);
• what they do not like about your behavior;
• RIGHT WHEN the behavior occurs.

In that way, you will have a better chance to analyze yourself, and make better decisions.

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The information above is taken from the theories and best practices about "feedback". You should get more familiar with this topic, as it will help you a lot in the future.

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but she didn’t mention me

If you think that the work you did was really worth mentioning, then you should just ask her, during the meeting, why she considers that your work was not worth mentioning.

Based on the answer, you can go to your manager and ask him / her to NOT assign you work in her project - if at all possible. Maybe moving to another team is an option, or changing to another role.

Also, be careful how you choose your words. As much as possible, avoid being ironic, sarcastic, or in any way (potentially) offending.

All this will help you get witnesses, in case anyone would be interested in having more information. That is why you want to be spotless, so your colleagues can speak in your favor.

Answer 2

You could thank her for letting you be part of this project.

This (1) informs everybody that you worked on this project and (2) reminds her that she didn't thank you.

It also doesn't put her in an awkward position; if she truly believes that she helped you and you didn't help her, then she won't be offended by your gracious thank you.

But be extremely careful to ensure that you don't sound sarcastic; this will produce unwanted and expected (usually unpleasant) results.