Thanks to the Seinfeld TV show, when someone else takes credit for something you did, we can classify it as a “Big Salad Moment”. These events are inevitable. When they occur to you, you’d like to believe that you will behave better than George Costanza in the video below.
Earlier this year, I was the beneficiary of exceptional hospitality from a friend of a my son’s who went beyond the call in hosting us in his home as we enjoyed a mountain getaway in Utah. To acknowledge and partially reciprocate, I sent a “really big” Chicago Pizza Gift Pack to our host. It took over a month before our host acknowledged the gesture. Why the delay? It was Big Salad Event. Our host assumed the food came from the house guests who arrived the following week. And it took a while for those other house guests to eventually deflect his gratitude and admit they were not the senders.
Since we all have Big Salad Events when others improperly receive credit for our efforts, I invite you to revisit George Costanza’s rant triggered by his obsessive need for recognition and his frustration with the injustice of someone else taking his credit for “The Big Salad“
As you seek to advance your career, gaining recognition for your achievements from your customers, peers and superiors is helpful for climbing the corporate ladder. And you’re likely to be frustrated by some “Big Salad” episodes of your own as others try to steal your thunder. But before reacting like George Costanza, consider seeking higher ground. It will help you in developing the attributes of…
In Jim Collin’s business best seller, Good To Great, the author introduces the concept of Level 5 Leadership. All of the eleven Good To Great companies were led by CEOs who were quick to deflect recognition toward others in their company. All of Jim Collins’ Level 5 Leaders possessed a Personal Humility:
"An inherent ability to selflessly shun the limelight and deflect the credit for their success to others in the organization or outside factors."
Do you aspire to develop Level 5 skill sets and habits? Consider making a conscious effort to deflect recognition to those who have contributed to your achievements. Put your ego aside and live to lead another day with people who are even more inspired than before from the recognition they’ve received from you.
When you find yourself getting worked up about a lack of recognition, avoid any obsessive Big Salad behavior and remember…
When it comes to recognition and acknowledgement, it's better to give than to receive.
By using our website, you agree to our use of cookies. Find out more information on how we use cookies, view our privacy policy.
