How many individual service members have come up with great ideas and your leadership has taken credit for it?

2015-12-15T09:22:27-05:00

How many individual service members have come up with great innovative ideas while serving and your leadership or another leader has taken your idea, implemented it, and taken the credit for it?

RP Members I've seen way too much of this in the Army during my time! What about other service branches? Share your stories!

True leaders will give credit where credit is due and they will create a stronger team - a Toxic Leader will steal your ideas and take credit themselves!

Response by PO2 Mark Saffell made Dec 15 at 2015 9:26 AM

2015-12-15T09:26:02-05:00

LOL not sure I ever came up with a great Idea but we did have a Chief that sure like to fluff himself up on our backs.

Response by Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth made Dec 15 at 2015 9:32 AM

2015-12-15T09:32:15-05:00

Absolutely a toxic environment when this happens. It creates distrust and stomps out any ingenuity from the ground up. Stand up and give credit where credit is due. Yes the idea came from your unit but it also came from an individual. By doing this you cultivate a group of dreamers that will give you ideas to make things better and more efficient in ways you can not imagine.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Dec 15 at 2015 9:34 AM

2015-12-15T09:34:57-05:00

How to phrase this.

I don't think the Leader ever did this intentionally, however the "Leadership" often misattributed it.

As an Example, LCpl Schmuckatelli has Great Idea. He brings it up to Gunny. Gunny goes "Holy X. That's bloody amazing. Let's roll with it, and sends it up the chain." He in turn goes to Capt Z and says "Skipper, one of the guys had a good idea. I'd like to try it out."

After the dust settles and the headshed sees it BN CO asks Capt Z who's idea it was he says Gunny brought it to his attention. Gunny of course is going to recognize LCpl S, but the credit was been "misattributed" because of the Power/Authority needed to accomplish it in the first place.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 15 at 2015 9:38 AM

2015-12-15T09:38:55-05:00

I was just talking to one of my soldiers about this this morning! As I picked him up from his house at 0535 for 0630 pt, he was sharing with me one of the ideas that he shared with his squad leader. His squad leader told him not to worry about it, then was using the idea a few days later. Do I think it's right? No. Will I address the squad leaders in the form of an NCOPD? Yes. I believe that the more NCOs that become aware that this is toxic, the better. As our army evolves, we need smarter, better leaders for tomorrow's future that let their soldiers evolve into leaders that have those critical thinking abilities, not leaders that put that wall in front of them.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Dec 15 at 2015 9:46 AM

2015-12-15T09:46:14-05:00

COL Mikel J. Burroughs I always encouraged innovative thinking among my subordinates and most of my leaders did the same for me and my fellow officers and senior NCOs.
Everything I wrote for the military while in the military is the property of the military. In the planning process we talked about the "good idea fairy" in the sense that there comes a time when the plan needs to finalized as good enough - in that event the "good idea fairy"is no longer welcome.
I had good ideas quashed by political appointees a number of times because they transcended the "stovepipe" boundaries mandated between the secretariat and the mil staff at times.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 15 at 2015 9:55 AM

2015-12-15T09:55:10-05:00

Toxic leadership abounds and fear of repercussion keeps those assigned to it from speaking up. When they do they are told things like., "Yes, but it sounds better coming from me" by senior officers.

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Dec 15 at 2015 10:13 AM

2015-12-15T10:13:50-05:00

A major portion of my position is to raise up the personnel who will follow in my footsteps and hopefully do a far better job than I did, to develop and instill the attitude of "can do". Only someone who is afraid of their position would take credit for what others have done. It shows great credit, to give credit to the works and ideas of your subordinates, and it empowers them to put forth great effort.

If I as a leader, take credit for the ideas of my troops, they will be dissatisfied. If they are dissatisfied, they will not be stellar performers any more, and why should they? Where is the incentive? And...if my boss is worth his/her salt, they will quickly realize that it was not my idea in the first place.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 15 at 2015 10:18 AM

2015-12-15T10:18:12-05:00

This has happened to me over and over again.
But I choose to see the glass as half-full; my ideas were good enough to implement. I am glad to contribute, and don't need accolades to do what needs to be done.

Response by SSG Keith Cashion made Dec 15 at 2015 10:25 AM

2015-12-15T10:25:57-05:00

I think my issue is when you put together a white paper or and RBI and someone else does the ole copy and paste as if it was theirs. That irks me.

Response by SFC Craig Dalen made Dec 15 at 2015 10:44 AM

2015-12-15T10:44:00-05:00

It's very sad that this happens way too much in the military. I tend to implement my own ideas without permission which has gotten me praise and in trouble but I would rather ask for forgiveness than permission. This is a part of leading, setting the example and initiative.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 15 at 2015 1:41 PM

2015-12-15T13:41:23-05:00

I don't see anyone taking credit for the Army Black beret.... >runs for cover>

Response by Sgt Kelli Mays made Dec 15 at 2015 2:49 PM

2015-12-15T14:49:03-05:00

When I got to my first assignment everything was in disarray. My boss was a mess....one of the sgt's was being booted out for a dirty UA....one girl was fixing to go on maternity leave and the other girl was brand new like me.
The filing system was a mess. Equipment was un accounted for. THe scheduling books was a disaster.
After a couple of weeks I couldn't stand it. It took me about a week, but I changed the whole system...gave it an upgrade if you will...came up with a new filing system and walked all 13 miles of the Wilford Halls hall ways and tracked down equipment...came up with a new tracking system and made all of the departments and individuals to sign for it....and set up a system for re signing every six weeks.
I had doctors, nurses techs and civilians mad at me cause many of them didn't cooperate, but the commander of the hospital loved my idea and told everyone to get on board .....but what sucked is my fat ass boss (who got kicked out in his 19th year for being over weight...he was on the fat boy program for 3 years) anyway, he took the credit for it....but many knew it was my idea and my hard work.

and if that's not bad enough a local radio station was having a contest. Counting songs. I counted songs for 5 days and then it was time to call in. I had everyone in my office calling into the station and my boss got through....I tried to take the phone from him but he insisted on staying on and giving the answer....reluctantly I gave him the number of songs and he won! a brand new 1986 mustang convertible. I was so pissed I couldn't see straight. He took the cash instead of the car and gave me a lousy $1000. What an ass he was.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Dec 15 at 2015 4:40 PM

2015-12-15T16:40:12-05:00

To be fair, I have never seen any solution that is attributable to just one person. Sure, one may initiate the germ of an idea, but that is a far cry from a solution. These waters grow even muddier when you take the long view at the process from a idea to implementation. I have participated in many such efforts throughout my career, both civilian and military, and have played a key role at every stage at one time or another. If anyone attempted to single me out, I demurred and focused attention on the group/team. Honestly, I have never seen anyone attempt to advance themselves as the "one" responsible for the total solution. Who would be gullible enough to believe "that"?

Response by COL Ron Long made Dec 15 at 2015 6:53 PM

2015-12-15T18:53:13-05:00

I've seen over and over. In one case an Navy Admiral told the young man he didn't know what he was talking about and less than a week later the Admiral was out selling the idea as his own. With all that said, for every case where I've seen "Spotlight Ranger", I've also witnessed/ experienced leaders and subordinates alike give credit where credit is due. I guess I was blessed with great mentors who were comfortable in their own skin and didn't need to wear someone else's.

In the business world, its the exact opposite. I've witnessed company leadership downplaying the ideas/contributions only to turn around and tout their great idea and break their arm patting themselves on the back while they do it.

Response by CAPT Tom Bersson made Dec 15 at 2015 7:27 PM

2015-12-15T19:27:02-05:00

Good ideas should be shared in the military. And if a leader takes it on they should give credit.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Dec 15 at 2015 7:34 PM

2015-12-15T19:34:05-05:00

It happened to me also. You and I were just talking about this in your other thread in fact. Was I glad that my idea got implemented and possibly saved lives and prevented people from driving drunk? Absolutely. Was I looking for an award or a medal? No I wasn't. But I at least would have liked some recognition. "Hey, a guy from the Nimitz had this idea a couple of years ago and we finally think it's something worth taking action on."

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 15 at 2015 9:06 PM

2015-12-15T21:06:43-05:00

I had an XO (LTC) ask one of my buddies (CW4) to unlock his scientifically based report in Acrobat format and remove his signature so a COL (unnamed) could sign it "to give it more authority." Being who I am, I sent an email to the general for whom the report was prepared (I knew him since he was a MAJ), where I described what happened, asking if this was a new policy on "upgrading" the reports prepared by SMEs. The report was sent as originally signed with a cover letter. Needless to say, it was the beginning of the end of my active duty career. Two years later, with the help of the COL's buddies, I retired. I have no regret whatsoever, mostly because the same general pinned LOM on my chest during the retirement ceremony.

Response by SGT Lawrence Corser made Dec 15 at 2015 9:11 PM

2015-12-15T21:11:29-05:00

lots. Seemed like it will always be that way sadly.

Response by SGT Alicia Brenneis made Dec 16 at 2015 4:21 PM

2015-12-16T16:21:24-05:00

Mostly with small stuff but I remember one really big one. I was working in the ER on night shift when an unconscious AIT solder was brought in. His command requested a drug test. Chain of custody stated he (the soldier ) had to sign the first block/give permission. By law if i took his blood w/o permission for a legal test it would be assault. There were no stipulations on what to do if he COULDN'T sign the forms. Over the next few weeks I did the leg work contacting pathology, the receiving pathology that ran the tests and legal. I took the time to write a new SOP, submit it to legal for approval ect. All said and done in changed (or corrected) policy over the entire hospital. I was proud but didn't think twice about it untill the next award ceremony where the department SFC was given an ARCOM for it. In his defense he didn't know it was coming but he also didn't correct anyone or even give a general acknowledgement to the department .

Response by SGT Curtis Earl made Dec 16 at 2015 9:48 PM

2015-12-16T21:48:43-05:00

An E-7 in my unit was having issues getting his NCOERs signed from his laptop. So as the unit computer guy, he asked me to get his laptop working. I agreed to do it for free in my off duty time. His PC was a mess but I got it running. The final step of troubleshooting an issue is verifying your fix. As a test, I clicked on an NCOER on his desktop. As I'm navigating to the signature blocks, I see he's listed one of my assigned duties as his. I'd spent my own time and money learning new skills and I had volunteered to fill these roles in the unit.

His NCOER also listed him as "maintaining over $100,000 worth of equipment without loss." But I was, and I still am, signed for that equipment. It didn't matter because I was a specialist and I didn't have an NCOER.

He also gave himself credit for the DTS class our Unit Administrator designed and built.

The maddening part is that my commander and 1SG signed that bullshit NCOER knowing full well that he'd listed our jobs as his bullets.

Response by SGT Mathew Husen made Dec 16 at 2015 11:12 PM

2015-12-16T23:12:53-05:00

Had a commander that took all the credit for everyone's work, I fixed that by sending out all the SITREPs myself. He wasn't a very good commander in the first place, dropped the ball on a lot of important stuff. It got to the point the Brigade commander would bypass him to give me direction on what needs to get done. In not even 3 months was relieved of his command.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Dec 18 at 2015 10:47 AM

2015-12-18T10:47:02-05:00

I created the genesis of the DTS Smart Book that is on the DTS website and did not get much for it except a coin that I gave away. My greatest satisfaction is that the smart book has helped a lot of folks.

This is it. You can see my name on page 13. https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/read/8373835/dts-smart-book-common-access-card-cac

dts smart book - Common Access Card (CAC)

dts smart book - Common Access Card Read more about trip, traveler, authorization, voucher, expenses and document.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2016 3:19 PM

2016-03-29T15:19:04-04:00

I've gone to leadership with what I thought was a great idea, only to be told it was ridiculous or "un-doable". Then a couple of weeks later have them come out and use my idea.....

Response by GySgt William Hardy made Mar 30 at 2016 12:10 PM

2016-03-30T12:10:56-04:00

I guess I was in good company. When serving on Joint Service Duty in Germany, I was awarded the JCSM for coming up some ideas which were reformated and made into the standard SOP for the then DCA. Then when I was in Iraq, I came up with an effective way for mission commanders to put together a mission without having to write anything. The 101st group that we replaced had a manual system going and some information was in the computer. I improved that system. I then had all the information needed for a mission report (Blue One) stored in a spreadsheet. A couple of minutes of cut and paste and the orders were ready for signature. This newer, updated system cut prep time for orders in half. This was all done using magnetic name tags, color coded by platoon, easily manipulated. I received the Army Achievement for it.

Response by SPC David Hannaman made Mar 31 at 2016 7:45 AM

2016-03-31T07:45:47-04:00

This is a tougher question than it would seem on the surface. It's one of philosophy really.

For example, 20 or so years ago my ex wife insisted I go to a job fair. At the time I was working at a job that I hated on a career path that I wasn't suited for. At that job fair I got a job offer for a job that I wasn't really qualified for, and spent a few months "toughing it out" in misery because I had a newborn daughter and needed the job. Eventually, slowly, often painfully, I learned the skills of my craft... I continued to learn and sacrificed a lot to move up... fast forward a decade or so and I'm successful in a career and she felts entitled because after all she insisted that I go to that job fair...

HAVING a great idea isn't enough, they're a dime a dozen, if I had 1% of the profit from every idea I've had but didn't "take the ball and run with" and later someone else did... well, lottery winnings would pale in comparison.

The picture painted in the original question is that someone in leadership "swooped in" and took credit for a proven successful project at the last minute after all the hard work had been done. This is almost impossible to do... yes, it's possible, and it's happened to me, but honestly I'd rather not be paraded around in front of "the big wigs" even when I've conceptualized AND implemented a great idea I often say "Please, no applause... just throw money.", even on those projects where I was the primary driving force I can't think of ANY where I did it totally alone, I had help from people above and beside me, and often that's because of the environment that my boss fostered (even if that environment was one of "Lets keep this on the down low so the boss doesn't kill it before we can see if it works."

I once heard something that helped me come to this line of thinking... "The best way to get your boss' jobs is by making them look so good that they get promoted leaving an empty slot for you to move up into." and after all.

Response by CW3(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 31 at 2016 4:32 PM

2016-03-31T16:32:43-04:00

Ive come up with a few ideas that were shot down then next thing you know we were implementing it so....

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Mar 31 at 2016 5:38 PM

2016-03-31T17:38:16-04:00

This has happened in my civilian job a number of times. Twice in the service.

Response by SGT Roberto Mendoza-Diaz made Jun 27 at 2016 6:08 PM

2016-06-27T18:08:17-04:00

All the time

Response by Kim Bolen RN CCM ACM made Jun 28 at 2016 10:26 AM

2016-06-28T10:26:39-04:00

This happens all the time in the "civilian" arena.

Response by LTC Jesse Edwards made Jun 29 at 2016 7:18 AM

2016-06-29T07:18:12-04:00

I was told as a young lieutenant that my job was to make my rater look good.

It took awhile to wrap my head around that because it felt like it flew into the face of selfless duty.

I came to accept it. The rating chain takes credit for the good and holds the subordinate accountable for the mistakes.

Response by PO1 Dawn C. made Jun 29 at 2016 9:45 AM

2016-06-29T09:45:18-04:00

Too many to count or care to remember.

Response by 1LT Susan Bailey made Jun 29 at 2016 2:27 PM

2016-06-29T14:27:32-04:00

It happened to me as well several times both military and civilian jobs. But as others have said I wasn't looking for medals or that sort of thing. I was looking to find a better way to do something to help others. But, it does help keep your motivation up to get recognized for ideas that you developed, parlayed and became successful.

Response by MSgt Mark Bucher made Oct 6 at 2017 7:17 AM

2017-10-06T07:17:42-04:00

Come on Mike, this is as old as the military itself. Always has, always will go on in uniform

Response by MSgt John McGowan made Oct 6 at 2017 7:39 AM

2017-10-06T07:39:52-04:00

Sir That happened to me when I transferred to a new base in Thailand. I was assigned to minor maintenance, fueling, dispatch and servicing of Age equipment. I was second i charge. The NCOIC told me to take a couple of days and see if I had suggestion on his set-up. Well I was a E5 and he was a E6. I walked around, talked to the guys and watched for half a day. I went to the E6 and told him I had my suggestions. H didn't want to believe I had done it in half a day. So I gave him my suggestions and he didn't seem impressed. 2 days later we had a meeting With the E6 boss and he told us of the changes the E6 came up with. Just the same way I told him it needed to be set up. I was drop kicked to night shift and nothing ever mentioned to me about my suggestion. Night shirt worked out fine because I didn't want to be around those two.But things worked out, I worked less than 90 days for them so no APR, otherwise I probably would have been given a poor one.Less than a year later I was promoted.

Response by CW4 John Wheatley made Oct 11 at 2017 9:04 PM

2017-10-11T21:04:45-04:00

I always gave credit were credit was due, but I have seen many times were ideas were stolen and the credit taken by others.I consoled myself by knowing that "Rank was not synonymous with brains" and Karma is a bitch.

Response by SFC Jason Hodge made Oct 13 at 2017 9:02 AM

2017-10-13T09:02:21-04:00

The Army has the Army Suggestion Program. Be a leader and understand you service and the different programs and the ways to improve your service and or career field.

Response by SFC Jason Hodge made Oct 13 at 2017 9:03 AM

2017-10-13T09:03:35-04:00

Become a leader so you may affect change instead of complaining about it.

Response by SPC Douglas Bolton made Oct 31 at 2017 4:42 PM

2017-10-31T16:42:13-04:00

COL Mikel J. Burroughs never happened to me, but great share. Many interesting posts.

Response by PO3 John Wagner made Oct 31 at 2017 4:54 PM

2017-10-31T16:54:00-04:00

I have come up with many great ideas. Many of them have been implemented.
There is however, at least a six month waiting period after giving the idea to the boss.
By that time he can convince himself that he thought of it.
I call it the "Not invented here delay."

Response by SSgt Boyd Herrst made Oct 31 at 2017 6:26 PM

2017-10-31T18:26:38-04:00

I learned from a Senior NCO in my Reserve Unit before I went Active Duty to get some AF Suggestion forms and keep them handy. So I got. Several and had them in my room. I then took one out and
Copied the leaders for each section into a notebook. I wrote on top off the page:
AF suggestion # I had a rough draft to follow and when I got it together Finally I
Got with my mentor/trainer and he helped me put it on the official form. I did 3 on the official form . Some of my suggestions would be meant for local use and some were submitted by the W.O. Of our Food Service to go up the Chain. We agreed to share credit but I was lead initiator. A few times they came back and they had him as lead initiator. We both know I was it. He inquired up the chasing and some Colonel told us in a conference call that a suggestion like we had forwarded wouldn’t be accepted initiated by an A1C... They accepted it initiated by
The W.O. My name was still on it as co-I lnitiator and I seemed to be happy it got accepted. I suggested that the Pot pie casserole be baked and served in the 2-1/2” line pan so e’body got some top crust. Sure more pans were used.. but it looked better and prob’ly Tasted better also. If it had to be served from the 3-3/4
Line pan that the bakers be instructed to make pie crust wafers to go on top.. this would insure they got some top for the pot pie casserole. I do think the biscuits are fine but not all the time. Need to rotate. Another topping was mashed potato but that was a problem child .
The filling had to be tight so the crust
Spread and stayed on top and was only good on the 2-1/2” line pan on the larger
Pan it started sinking into the pan -filling..
sheppard’s Pie same ideas. 2-1/2” deep
Long Pan. S’times we got “your idea is being given serious consideration and you will be notified if/when it will be implemented. Thank you for you submission.” I think they look and see what your end of enlistment is then resubmit themselves after you’ve etsed..
I never looked to be paid for any Idea.. just so it will assist in making the AF a better place to be a member of . Morale is important and if menbers are happy and taken care of they will do a better job hopefully and help the AF go better in doing it’s mission.

Response by SSgt Boyd Herrst made Oct 31 at 2017 6:43 PM

2017-10-31T18:43:53-04:00

Cont’d from submission by keeping copies
And s’one by chance submit a suggestion they improperly or inadvertently submitted and you have the date you originally submitted and can show proof
You initiated or were a co-initiator.. the proof is there to award the credit. I’ve seen a few crafty re-submissions and it was because that/those could phrase better or knew s’body ghat Could.

Response by CPO Nate S. made Oct 31 at 2017 7:23 PM

2017-10-31T19:23:21-04:00

Simple, here are two sayings you might share that I just created from my 60 years of life experience:

"Strong confident leaders help their people shine, which polishes them, as leaders, to shine even brighter, thus facilitating the desire of their troops to want to work for them even harder, precisely because they have built a bridge of trust, not on shifting sands, but on bedrock leadership by example!"

"Selfish weak leaders, only polish themselves leaving the luster of those they are charged to lead to dull in the desert of the disrespect they demonstrate toward them by not giving real credit where it is due, building the legacy of leadership on shifting sands destined to fail when support in difficult times is most needed."

If you choose to post these together on a laminated paper and you want attribute them to me - great. If not, great. If you do chose to attribute them to me here is how I want you to attribute them:

Nathan Szejniuk, HMC (SW/AW), USN (Retired)
HM-8404 (Fleet Marine Forces Corpsman) / HM-8432 (Preventive Medicine Specialist)
Eagle Scout w/ Palms, Class 1972

But, frankly, I rather like being "Anonymous"!!!

Response by SFC Dave Beran made Oct 31 at 2017 8:03 PM

2017-10-31T20:03:23-04:00

Had many opportunities for this to happen. But it never did. Had some great superiors who taught me a lot. Then when I became a SNCO had some great people working for me. Got lucky I guess.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Oct 31 at 2017 9:17 PM

2017-10-31T21:17:09-04:00

Ditto Sir

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Nov 1 at 2017 9:39 AM

2017-11-01T09:39:30-04:00

i always felt that You give full credit to the people that had the idea and praise for that or even a job well done gets a lot of mileage not only from that person but others who also work under Your supervision. This gave people the extra incentive to not just do their duty but go above and beyond what was expected because they wanted to. Also as Your people learn and develop and feel part of the process You are helping by example to make better leaders out of them and they way they handle their own people when they become the supervisors themselves. Don't make anything about You, give the thanks and credit Your people have worked for.

Response by PO1 Kevin Arnold made Nov 1 at 2017 10:17 AM

2017-11-01T10:17:44-04:00

Not so much for ideas but sometimes for a job done. We were doing a change of homeport. Well everyones service
records , pay had to be transfered to a different Unit Identification Code (UIC), and gather all records to a different coast. Well my leadership took full credit for getting this done. No mention of his team getting it done.

Response by SSG Terry Clay made Nov 1 at 2017 10:24 AM

2017-11-01T10:24:36-04:00

I don't know if I agree with the word stealing with respect to any word submitted while under authority. But the world has changed. I've received my fair share of pats on the back for the work I've done, but never once did I feel I was entitled to that and certainly didn't get all butt hurt over it when I didn't get an 'ata-boy'. I found it helped to find a reasonable sense of double jointedness and pat my self on the back if I felt the need.
To the question presented, yes. Perusing through a HQ March order once I realized having read the entire document, there was no mention of the medical section in the movement. I questioned my BC about it and he asked me if I'd like yo give a go at writing an addendum. I studied the language and form and confidently wrote the addendum for placement and function of HHB/HHC medics in convoy in 1997. I got patted on the back and recognized in front of formation for the work. I learned a year later it had actually been presented, accepted WAY upon the chain and eventually published. It don't know if it was whole or intact at that point or whose name was on it by then. It was gratifying to have done the work and having represented myself, my section and my command nonetheless. I was very proud and it was enough.

Response by SGT Frank Pritchett made Nov 1 at 2017 10:58 AM

2017-11-01T10:58:16-04:00

Prior to going down range in Iraq in 2010 my First Sergeant ,1st Hollifield, wanted to be able to point to a Soldier and without hesitation have a Soldier drive any vehicle legally, so since I was the ASST. Master Driver I organized a Truck Rodeo where we ran the Battalion through a series of obstacles then on a test drive to receive a Military License, this was so effective that during one deployment in Kurkuck we had zero accidents. My NCOIC took full credit after only showing up once in two weeks; then told me anything I do will go his NCOER. No awards, no credit, no accidents.

Response by Sgt Albert Castro made Nov 2 at 2017 7:18 PM

2017-11-02T19:18:26-04:00

Not in my military time, but definitely in my L.E.O. career. One man from our 6 man SOG Team tried to claim a win on a really good case. We caught the guy red handed telling the Brass "his intel and surveillance" resulted in the win. Problem was the moron was on vacation when we put the intel together. Some how an off duty trip to the "wood shed" set the guy straight. He quite the team the following Monday. Share your credit with the whole team, don't steal other's hard work for yourself.

Response by PO2 Richard C. made Nov 2 at 2017 9:16 PM

2017-11-02T21:16:40-04:00

Not so much and innovative idea, but once when the ship was having an official Navy photo taken while underway, the Captain decided he wanted to have the crew form "LPD-8" on the helo deck. I heard about it and told him I could do it. Figured it out for size and number of bodies needed, laid it out on the deck with tape spots and made some minor adjustments when the guys (about 170 if I remember right) in about 4 hours. Some deck ape LT took credit.

Response by PO1 Kevin Dougherty made Nov 2 at 2017 11:15 PM

2017-11-02T23:15:18-04:00

I only encountered that once or maybe twice in the USCG. It has happened far more often to me in civilian life. I have had the "joy" of sitting in a meeting while senior administration lavished praise on my manager for the idea I researched and then pitched to him. Not a good feeling, and no he never got another idea from me.

Response by CPO Glenn Moss made Nov 3 at 2017 12:49 AM

2017-11-03T00:49:35-04:00

I've seen it a time or two. Couldn't put a number to it.

But the best leaders acknowledge their subordinate's roles.

Response by Sgt John H. made Nov 3 at 2017 7:19 AM

2017-11-03T07:19:57-04:00

Not often during my tour... But often in the corporate world. Always 1 that wants to be part of the team. Ducks assignments and disappears. Then wants to be part of the presentation team. Loves the use of I pronoun and very seldom uses "we". You just learn steer clear... Fool me once..

Response by PFC Lisa McDonald made Nov 3 at 2017 2:31 PM

2017-11-03T14:31:45-04:00

Unfortunately I think its going to happen whether in a military or civilian job because of leadership structure.
Worst case scenario is the leader takes the idea and punishes the one who's idea it was!
Best case scenario is one of mutual respect. The leader gets respect for listening to their workers. The person with the idea gets credit for it and hopefully gets on the job recognition like through a promotion.

Response by SGT Cynthia Barnard made Nov 3 at 2017 3:21 PM

2017-11-03T15:21:56-04:00

I can site several Instances where that has happene but It usually ends up with the higher reps wanting more information or needing additional input so they had to come to me anyway and it all washed out in the end

Response by SSgt James Tadlock made Nov 3 at 2017 5:02 PM

2017-11-03T17:02:51-04:00

I can't recall any of this, but I would say that it happened. I can remember getting a few extra dollars for some kind of suggestion, but cannot remember what.

Response by MSG Richard Cooper, PMP, SIPM, CMAS made Nov 3 at 2017 5:11 PM

2017-11-03T17:11:09-04:00

When our BN CDR, at a formation singled me out for a job well done, I told him it was a whole team effort not just me. CSM Sims (RIP) came to my rescue as the BN CDR was flustered at my remark. All ended well though.

Response by PO3 Jacob Jenkins made Nov 3 at 2017 5:12 PM

2017-11-03T17:12:56-04:00

I never experienced this, and I think it depends heavily on who your leaders are. I believe that there is no such thing as a bad leader.. there are leaders and then there are people with power the two are very different. If you do have a leader you will never find your self in this position. I have been lucky throughout my careers that I have not had to experience someone taking credit for something I have done but that is both because I have always viewed myself as a leader even as an E-4. Another part of this is very much due to the fact that I have had good guys ahead of me that cared about the group more than themselves. Yes the Chief always got the highest praise but not because of the idea but yet for running a well maintained group of individuals that know what they are doing.

With all that said, the main reason the one that tops all of that is that us AW's never got credit or recognized for anything.... So there was never any credit to steal haha so no point in poaching ideas from the ones below you. When we got recognized it was always as a whole never as an individual. It was either "Aircrew messed up this weekend" or "Aircrew is on point"

All I can say is you can be a leader from below but in order to do that you must be able to stand tall enough to lead. I have seen many senior enlisted and officer depend on the lower ranks for guidance and leadership. It is not an uncommon thing. My last CO I had was just like this where he never made himself an island or a dictator. He depended on the leadership below him. That is the difference.

There is a fine line between leadership and management.... and it doesn't take someone in power to create the leadership.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 3 at 2017 5:42 PM

2017-11-03T17:42:27-04:00

All of them, throughout history. If you havent had a good idea misatteibuted by leadership, you are doing something wrong. Everything we do as individuals and leaders in iniform should shape and influence our organizations.

Response by LCpl Donald Faucett made Nov 3 at 2017 5:56 PM

2017-11-03T17:56:00-04:00

Lots of times, thus getting my desired results. Who cares who thought of it. It's like let's get it done! Never been a glory seeker

Response by SPC Daniel Rankin made Nov 3 at 2017 5:58 PM

2017-11-03T17:58:25-04:00

I had an E-5 do this in the motor pool. He was my boss in there. This kept on happening until one day an e-7 started watching the e-5 harrassing me all the time and kept an eye on him. About a month of this and he called both of us into the office of the Headquarters. After we both filled out statements of what was going on and the e-7 filled his out the e-5 was moved to a side unit. He was never allowed to come within a hundred yards of me or give me a direct order again. And yes I had complained several times about this through statements to the BMO and nothing was ever done about it until the e-7 from the headquarters came in one day and saw it happen himself.

Response by Capt Christian D. Orr made Nov 3 at 2017 6:24 PM

2017-11-03T18:24:57-04:00

Back in 2005, when I was a 1st Lt at HQ Air Mobility Command, Scott AFB, IL, Operation Homecoming USA (OHUSA), the long-overdue salute to Vietnam vets, took place in Branson, MO.

I pre-announced this event at multiple events on base, including the HQ AMC Directorate meetings, Wing Commander's staff meetings, and Company Grade Officers Council meetings. However, as much as I talked up the event, no one wanted to join me as a volunteer staffer for the event, so I finally said to hell with it and went to OHUSA by myself as a mere spectator and had a great time.

Sure as shit, about a week or so later, our Directorate Division Chief, a Brigadier General (and the same person who's the same reason I didn't get promoted to Capt. 'til I was in the IRR, 13 months later than I was originally supposed to), totally talked up OHUSA and didn't give me one lick of recognition for promoting the event and raising awareness of it at SAFB in the first damn place.

Response by MAJ Monique Ruiz made Nov 3 at 2017 6:32 PM

2017-11-03T18:32:04-04:00

Toxic leaders’ techniques take them only so far. I’m confident in myself to keep doing me and making sure I give credit to myself and those who contribute to my success. We (leaders) aren’t successful without the most junior Soldier. We don’t have that many arms or brains to do it alone, we shouldn’t act like it. :-D

Response by Sgt Martin Querin made Nov 3 at 2017 6:54 PM

2017-11-03T18:54:44-04:00

I developed a set of laminated cards for our Machine gun bags, they had a variety of information. For example one had an example of a perfect range card on one side and the steps to create it on the other. Another had an explanation of how to get an accurate back azimuth including adjusting for the angle of declination. I placed these cards on a ring and inserted them in every gun bag, then conducted training using the cards with all of the Squad and Team Leaders; then I oversaw them giving the training to their teams.

The result was recognition from Battalion for our Company, and Weapons Platoon in particular, for the speed and accuracy of our range cards in a 2-week mechanized training operation at that lovely USMC resort, 29 Palms. Our Weapons Platoon commander, a former motor-pool 1st Lieutenant got an atta-boy and hearty pat on the back from the Battalion, and Company...me, not one word.

I tell the story just as an example of what you are talking about COL Mikel J. Burroughs, but the reason I did it was not to get recognized it; it was so that my men would be able to perform in battle. So that whatever enemy we faced, both our equipment and their performance would be the difference between winning and losing. I figured no award for second place in combat.

By the way they did call me a year after I transitioned out to ask if I would come back and serve in a training role. The person that called to re-recruit me said, "no going to the field and the hard-a** major was no longer there." I told him I joined to go "to the field"...I wouldn't have joined the Marines if I didn't like 'the field'. And I didn't have any problem with the Major, we got along fine. I rotated to full-time civilian life because of all of the gold-brickers and candies (early 80's); I didn't want to have to trust them with protecting my life."

Semper Fi, Martin

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 3 at 2017 7:51 PM

2017-11-03T19:51:54-04:00

Oh I've seen this so many times, especially with building computer programs to help the unit. Young soldier designs it, shares it with NCO or leader....next thing you know....that leader is in front of a formation being awarded with a COA or Coin for it.

Response by PO2 Kevin Parker made Nov 3 at 2017 8:12 PM

2017-11-03T20:12:35-04:00

A Avionics Mech (I can't remember his rate) that was in my Squadron while I was TAD to the base supply, wanted to figure out a solution to the brake issue that was happening on our planes. We got together and he figured out why the issue was happening and then figured out how he could fix it. He did all the wrench turning, I did all the research in the supply system to find him the parts he specified that would work for the heat and the stress and what not! I even wrote up his proposal to submit it up the chain. I don't know where my name fell off of it, but somewhere going up the chain it did. He was awarded a cash award, a Navy Achievement Medal, and I believe he was meritoriously advanced. I didn't even get a letter of achievement. At his award ceremony, he thanked me for all the hours I put in helping him figure out the fix and mentioned that half of the award should have been mine. He was pissed the way it was handled! I told him not to worry about the reward, because he was trying to share it with me. It just would have been nice to be mentioned by the command.

Response by PO3 Phyllis Maynard made Nov 3 at 2017 8:22 PM

2017-11-03T20:22:37-04:00

There was a trend discussing the US investing 70 million dollars for the training of Afghans. The officers admitted they used techniques from procedural law enforcement tv shows. That was a collossial disaster. Career thieves come out in the wash and during life and death situations. I hope the active military will deal with career thieves and put qualified people in place.

Response by PO2 Christopher Foss made Nov 3 at 2017 11:48 PM

2017-11-03T23:48:44-04:00

Personally, I see this as a problem in our society, and the military is merely a symptom of the bigger issue.

The issue that I perceive is that we have swung too far into being an achievement oriented society, and leaders & managers are not being held to a different standard than their subordinates. Too many of them need to perform both as work force AND as executives instead of being evaluated on how effectively their team functions.

As a lowly Data Center Shift Supervisor (S-8 Division) in the Navy, I got my folks qualified to the point that my Chief (E-7 for you ground pounders) told me my job was to be available if the feces hit the rotary impeller, but, otherwise, my job was to take turnover, evaluate the work load and assign Shift Lead to one of the other people on my shift. We got to the point where, most nights, I could send one of my subordinates home after muster and still get the job done, and my evals were excellent.

That was in 1988; I sincerely doubt it would work that way in today's culture.

Response by LTC John Griscom made Nov 4 at 2017 12:10 AM

2017-11-04T00:10:19-04:00

My case was just the opposite. I prepared documentation that showed my unit was about two years behind in preparing equipment sets for units that would deploy to Europe in the event of war and the necessary manpower to correct the situation. The commander wouldn't forward it to our higher headquarters; said it would make him look bad.

Response by Manuel Perea made Nov 4 at 2017 8:51 AM

2017-11-04T08:51:43-04:00

Several times management has told me my idea wasn't feasible or beneficial. Only to see it implemented a month or so later. At my last 3 places of employment.

Response by PO1 Kerry French made Nov 4 at 2017 9:26 PM

2017-11-04T21:26:26-04:00

I've seen this in the civilian world a lot more!

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 9 at 2017 7:31 AM

2017-11-09T07:31:54-05:00

They tend to attempt to get the credit but I bring the idea up and inform others... I have no time for these acts...

Response by Sgt Wayne Wood made Nov 9 at 2017 10:11 AM

2017-11-09T10:11:03-05:00

For me, it’s been more of an issue in the civilian world

Response by SPC Byron Skinner made Jan 14 at 2018 8:57 PM

2018-01-14T20:57:23-05:00

Sp4 Byron Skinner I'm not sure how it is now but back in the day ideas expressed were simply not welcome out side of being in the field in Vietnam and then the surviving "leaders" learned to pay attention to the EM's that went out on patrol. It was my experience that if you had a good idea just do it. You were going to get KP any way. A couple of recent ideas, why can't officers and senior enlisted men/women serving in the USN design and specify fighting ships instead of civilian contractors, they are already on the pay roll. Or why are we instating on design a new generation of AFV's that weight 50-80 tons when the bridges in Northern Russia collapse at 35 tons? Russian armor swims,can cross streams and rivers, ours don't we need to build bridges. Doesn't anybody think of these things? it all falls on dead ears.

Response by MSgt Jay Cooper made Jan 15 at 2018 4:08 PM

2018-01-15T16:08:55-05:00

A major factor in my nephew leaving the Marines was this very thing. He worked with the F-35s as the Marines were bringing them on-board. On two separate occasions, he apparently sketched out significant improvements for a maintenance process for his OIC and the Captain took full credit for them. For time immemorial, if someone underneath you does something good you, as the boss, get some amount of credit for it...but anyone with even a shred of personal integrity knows when that happens you sing the praises of the originator and make damn sure everyone knows who's idea it was. To do anything else is a discredit to the trust placed in you as a leader.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Jan 15 at 2018 5:10 PM

2018-01-15T17:10:29-05:00

Back before GPS or computers, even calculators, I used Counter Mortar Radar to get the location of friendly units, rather than registering.

Response by Sgt Bill Right made Jan 19 at 2018 9:49 AM

2018-01-19T09:49:46-05:00

I had been a Marine from 1979 to 1991. I was a chore to lead and I admit it. I was always outside of the box. The last commander I had as NCO in TOW Company at 29 Palms California...Melborne I think...was against the ideas of Marine version of Scouts. We had a discussion and he said try some of them out in our nearly monthly platoon and squad/section level field training. My platoon sergeant said so could as long as it fit into the context of scheduled training. Just before I left for Career Planning School, I gave him a 40 page hand written outline. Several 1 or 2 years later I picked up a copy of Leatherneck and there was his article of his version of what I had outlined including the graphs. No credit. Saw some guys I knew in Saudi Arabia at Desert Storm that were in Scouts and asked if Melby had given me any credit and they looked at me like I made it up. That's what some people do to get to the top.

Response by Sgt Bill Right made Jan 19 at 2018 9:50 AM

2018-01-19T09:50:53-05:00

All thumbs and a slow internet connection...

Response by PO1 Timothy Ketcham made Jan 20 at 2018 11:32 PM

2018-01-20T23:32:09-05:00

In the Navy I lead an HSL detachment to South Africa. Our automatic flight test equipment broke and I wrote up an emergency test for the system. It was approved through message traffic for a one time use until the final draft was approved and added to the maintenance manual. It went through the chain...My QA representative received a NAM for my work.

Response by LT Richard Mondak made Jan 22 at 2018 4:15 PM

2018-01-22T16:15:49-05:00

I was told by a Shipmate that after I left our ship that the Medical Administrative Officer took credit for my ideas and training plans. He was awarded a Navy Commendation Medal.
Additionally, after I had retired I learned that my relief took the Training Syllabus that my predecessor initiated then I revised and updated over a 4 year period and used the salient points to make a pocket guide that he presented as his own work. It was printed through CNET and given to all Navy Independent Duty Corpsmen. One of my former students showed me a copy of this "Guide Book" and I immediately recognized the distinctive terminology that I used and some of what the CWO4 had written years before that. He gained an early promotion to LCDR and a NAM. It was egregious enough that he used our work uncredited, but in his editing, he removed important facts and made a 'one size fits all' "cook book".

Response by SSG(P) Raymond Ogg made Jan 23 at 2018 11:50 AM

2018-01-23T11:50:51-05:00

I think I have been very lucky in this regard in that my mentors and leaders "growing up" in the Army have been (for the most part) quite stellar and given credit where credit is due. I found for my own experience, taking pride in the accomplishments of my subordinates also helped with my own reputation as well, as leaders tend to be judged more on what their section can do than what they themselves are capable of.

Of course, you must still remain capable yourself, or your subordinates won't respect you enough to innovate, but being fast to recognize achievement does good for morale and encourages continues achievement.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 18 at 2018 5:09 PM

2018-03-18T17:09:23-04:00

As often as there are stars in the heavens.

Response by CPL Ken Zaske made Dec 3 at 2019 12:08 AM

2019-12-03T00:08:15-05:00

It is very rare for the person that came up with the idea to actually get credit. I know of three instances here in Idaho where my ideas were adopted by the state's USPFO with no mention of where the idea came from other than some colonel's desk. For one of the ideas he was actually awarded an AAM (Army Achievement Medal), I still find it disturbing that he accepted the award.

Response by GySgt Gary Cordeiro made May 21 at 2020 10:36 PM

2020-05-21T22:36:35-04:00

It is more Blessed to give than receive.
An elderly woman falls getting off the bus. You have two options, take her purse and run or help her.
My father and I experienced this moment. We helped her up and walked her home. He told me that in life we will come across this situation. Lift everyone up, if you don’t, you are not my son.

Response by Lt Col Leslie Bryant made Jul 1 at 2020 12:43 AM

2020-07-01T00:43:33-04:00

I grew up an Oil Company brat before joining the USAF. Exxon Mobil is notorious for its executives stealing the ideas and papers of their subordinates. My Dad actually left Exxon Mobil after 18 years of the company stealing his ideas and papers that were then presented at Oil Conferences with his name stripped from recognition and the papers he had personally researched and authored! He would go on after leaving Exxon Mobil to be President of an Oil Company, Berry Petroleum and take a small family owned business onto the Wall Street Market. Please realize those who take credit for the work of others never really ahead. A good example are our Academy Grads who certainly rise to the highest levels but usually because someone else did the work! Most Generals aren’t that smart, they just had smart people working for them and knew someone to get ahead!

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2020 5:55 PM

2020-10-26T17:55:54-04:00

I haven't had it happen to me but I've seen it happen.

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Jan 20 at 2021 11:53 PM

2021-01-20T23:53:37-05:00

Although I've seen a few take credit for others work the majority did give credit where credit was due to others and not blow their own horn. In the long run those that gave credit actually had better careers and advanced far higher in rank. Those that patted themselves on the back like they did it all themselves tended to have careers that ended abruptly. Often they didn't make any contribution to the effort but sure would take credit but that pattern of deception doesn't last forever. I'm happy to say most the Commanders I served with were excellent officers and not self serving and leaders of teams of which they were actually members.

Response by SGT John Graham made Mar 19 at 2021 2:03 PM

2021-03-19T14:03:24-04:00

When I left the service my first job was a Correctional Officer for the local Sheriff Department. I saw many things that needed to be changed. The Lt. would listen to my ideas, then explain why it wouldn't work. Two weeks later or so, SURPRISE, my idea was his. After a while I wrote out my idea as a proposal and gave it to the Under Sheriff, and asked him to hold it, unsealed. I submitted an idea to the Lt., it was denied, then a little later, voila it was implemented with it being the Lt's idea. I contacted the Under Sheriff and asked him to open the envelope and read the proposal enclosed. He was pretty upset when he saw what was going on. I don't know what was the Discipline Action was, but the end result was a section meeting. The Lt. sat there red faced, as what happened was explained. It wasn't a full vindication, but it was satifying.

Response by SSG Franklin Briant made Apr 12 at 2021 12:04 AM

2021-04-12T00:04:26-04:00

It happens all the time. Weak leadership will do what they can to advance. Little do they know or care the higher know who is working and who the glory hounds/thieves are. I don't know many in the military who have not had this happen.