Q: My coworker has an annoying habit of picking my brain for business ideas, then presenting them as her own! How can I avoid being exploited without being out-and-about rude to her?
A: Brainstorming among coworkers can get dicey, for the very reason you’ve discovered. On the other hand, two heads are often better than one – as long as the boss knows that two brains were at work! Next time your colleague wants to talk ideas, don’t be shy about letting her know that you’d like to be acknowledged for your contributions. Don’t say it too aggressively, though: Many people don’t consciously realize when they are poaching from others (if an idea is brilliant, we quickly come to believe we dreamed it up). But if she continues to freeload, you may want to discourage her (a noncommittal “hmm…sounds interesting” will suffice in response to her questions) and consider presenting more ideas yourself.
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Great suggestion! How about also mentioning to the coworker the next time she comes “a-poaching” that you both make it official, and that you can both ask her manager if you can “team up” to brainstorm ideas, so that your time is being tracked as well to show your productivity. If the coworker is taking up regular amounts of time during your work day to brainstorm with you, those gaps in time should be accounted for.
If the coworker agrees (a win-win for all), then present the idea together to her and your manager (if they are different individuals). If she doesn’t agree, backs away and no longer approaches you in the future, your problem is also solved.
It doesn’t work that way beyond a certain level in the organization. Folks know time is not tracked, and gooing to a “boss” who is likely a VP is so petty, such an act in itself may put one on the dirt list. This situation is never easy, but it is very common. In my simple experience, I have strongly “mentioned” it was a mutual effort and moved forward with documentation including both our names. Generally I have found if the individual is upset or seriously objects there is more to the objection than this project. Let him/her take the credit this time and remain reserved in future efforts. Hope this makes sense.