I have written previously of the 
popular workplace inspired movie, Working Girl. The post, “Your Own Idea Management System”, concentrated on the power of ideas and the inspiration that sparks them. It explained that the source of the protagonist’s power, (Melanie Griffith’s character, Tess) rested in the value of her original idea.
Ideas are priceless
There is another key message presented in Working Girl. It is the notion that borrowing another person’s idea without somehow recognizing the owner is problematic. Tess, the main character in “Working Girl” was a victim of this specific type of workplace bullying. Of course, the “evil boss” (Sigourney Weaver’s character) was revealed to be just that - evil - because she simply couldn’t explain the inspiration behind her obviously stolen idea. Her behavior was the polar opposite of showing respect and failed to offer recognition deserved by her employee.
In the workplace, there are few behaviors more reviled than a leader taking credit for a subordinate’s idea. This type of behavior is a quick method to squelch motivation - and the infraction has the ability to shut down the entire creative process. Research tells us that when employees are not rewarded for their contributions they suffer. This behavior is usually viewed as a “deal breaker”, (as Dr. Phil calls it) in the unsaid employee-organization contract.
What we can learn from the academic community
When considering the academic and scientific communities we can shed even more light on the topic. In these circles, there is a real need for the knowledge forum to remain open – without it, the world of discovery cannot effectively move forward. Projects would focus on previously discovered principles and theories would never be tested or refined. But, there is also a great need to protect that forum. As a result, there is an unsaid practice of transparency which guarantees that a researcher’s work will be acknowledged.
In the on-line world of sharing, some of these tenets have not yet been fully tested or established. We are enjoying the fantastic exchange of information – and still establishing best practices concerning how to interact in this highly open community. However, this does not preclude an attempt to recognize an individual’s work or ideas.
I have heard many people dismayed, when their ideas are shared without a passing nod to their original idea.
Consider these points:
- Gather inspiration from the work of others – If you are particularly moved by an opinion or theory, let the author know. Send a message to them or post a comment on their blog or website.
- If you develop an idea further, reference where the idea came from. Build on the idea, but give a nod to where your inspiration came from.
- If you discuss a specific academic work, try to cite it. You can also take this a step further and contact the source – they are usually quite passionate about their work and are glad to share more about it.
- Don’t view the on-line community as a zero-sum game. As in the workplace, try to set aside feelings of competition. If someone appears to be a thought leader, recognize them as such.
- Collaborate, collaborate, collaborate. Make the effort to have a conversation with those who have ideas which intrigue you.
Above all, continue to share your expertise and ideas freely. Without this, we cannot learn and grow from each other.
Dr. Marla Gottschalk is a Workplace Psychologist. You can find her on Twitter and Linkedin.
