Your colleague is claiming your thought leadership ideas. How will you reclaim your personal brand?

D*mn it's frustrating when a colleague is copying your thought leadership ideas... but let's be real, even your thoughts and ideas came from the surroundings you are in, and built into your way of delivering it. With that said, what do you do when someone is trying to put your concepts off as their own? Personally, ignore it. Humans copy. Are they you? Are they publishing an exact copy of your book? Delivering your same exact Ted Talk? No.... They are putting out your info into the minds of others. Ya know what, the more that happens- the more you need to just keep pushing forward as a thought leader. You will be able to stay on top of moving your ideas forward, and it will come out that you are indeed the top voice.

- Address the issue privately with your colleague, initiating a calm and constructive conversation focused on the facts. - Explain how the situation affects your professional standing, aiming for a resolution that maintains workplace harmony. - Give your colleague the benefit of the doubt, considering the possibility of a misunderstanding or lack of awareness, while clearly stating your concerns.

Private Conversation: Schedule a one-on-one: Express your concern directly but professionally. Explain the specific ideas you believe they've taken and the impact it has on your brand. Focus on solutions: Suggest ways to collaborate in the future, perhaps co-authoring content or jointly presenting ideas. Frame it as a way to strengthen both your brands. Content is King: Double down on content creation: Publish high-quality content that showcases your expertise. Write articles, create presentations, or even start a blog or podcast. Focus on a unique perspective or niche within your field. Be consistent: Regularly produce valuable content to stay top-of-mind with your audience.

My personal brand is all about me and my Audience. And he can't claim my thoughts and leadership ideas. If i remove myself from my personal brand then its not going to be a personal Brand.

Paper trails for peace of mind! Document your ideas clearly - emails, project tools, dated journals - all work. Proof of creation protects you and showcases your creative process, boosting your personal brand.

- Document your ideas meticulously through email, collaborative tools, or a dated journal to have a record of your contributions. - Use this documentation as proof of ownership to prevent future disputes. - Showcase your thought process and creativity, further establishing your personal brand.

- Vocalize your ideas clearly and assertively during meetings and collaborations to create a direct association between the concepts and yourself. - Reinforce your personal brand by ensuring your peers recognize your contributions. - Discourage others from taking undue credit, as your ideas become widely acknowledged as originating from you.

Vocalize your ideas clearly and consistently. For instance, if your brand identity has a unique philosophy that you initiated, speak about it often, both in meetings and publicly. This ensures that the idea becomes subconsciously associated with you in people's minds. It's also important to understand that while you might start a philosophy, others will adopt and build on it. The mindset shift resulting from your thought process isn't yours alone. People will pick up on it and use it as well, but once the world knows you started it, it becomes easier for others to reference you.

Disheartening when credit isn't given where due. Here's how I navigate: 1. Private Conversation: First, a calm, one-on-one discussion. Clarity and a chance to rectify can go a long way. 2. Subtly Public Reclaim: If needed, I'll subtly reference the original idea in a public forum, perhaps mentioning "an interesting concept I explored earlier..." 3. Community Amplification: My network is my strength. Sharing the original thought (with a timestamp) within trusted circles can organically re-establish ownership. 4. Focus Forward: Dwelling doesn't serve us. I'll shift focus to elaborating on the initial concept, showcasing my continued thought leadership.

"Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher." - Oprah Winfrey. Consider your supportive colleagues as your personal cheerleading squad. They’re there to uplift you, highlight your achievements, and ensure you’re recognized for your contributions. I think of Sheryl Sandberg, who emphasizes the importance of mentorship and allies in her book "Lean In." Her career advancement was bolstered by supportive colleagues who acknowledged her contributions and advocated for her. Question for Reflection: How can you identify and cultivate relationships with supportive colleagues? What steps can you take to build a network of allies who will advocate for you and your ideas?

Building strong relationships with supportive colleagues is crucial for reinforcing your personal brand. Allies can champion your contributions and attribute your ideas, enhancing your visibility and influence within the organization. This network not only protects your intellectual property but also amplifies your impact and recognition.

To build your personal brand is difficult enough without other's stealing your ideas. But when colleagues do claim your thought leadership as their own, you must innovate. You must extend beyond just generating new ideas but extend yourself to challenge conventional thinking. Do not be afraid to explore controversial topics or unconventional solutions. Embrace risks that others might shy away from, positioning yourself not just as an originator of ideas but as a provocateur of change. By consistently introducing disruptive concepts and fostering debates, you not only reclaim your thought leadership but redefine it. You ensure your ideas remain distinct and impactful in a crowded landscape.

Continuously innovating is crucial for defending and enhancing your personal brand. Keep up with the latest trends and developments in your field. Regularly read industry news, attend conferences, and engage with thought leaders Dedicate time to brainstorming and developing new concepts. Encourage creativity through activities like workshops, collaborative projects, or even solo think sessions Publish your ideas through articles, blog posts, social media updates, and speaking engagements. Consistently sharing valuable content positions you as a thought leader. Interact with your audience to understand their needs and feedback. Highlight your case studies, testimonials, and updates to illustrate your impact and thought leadership

These days, it is difficult to claim ownership of ideas unless you go the long route of IP registration and legal battles. Just saying so may make you sound petty and jealous. Consider writing a personal blog or social media series where you consistently share your unique insights and industry perspectives, establishing a clear, documented trail of your thought leadership for all to see. If the problem is serious, utilize blockchain technology to timestamp and authenticate your ideas and content, providing irrefutable proof of your original contributions.

To reclaim your personal brand, first document your original ideas and contributions. Then, address the situation directly with your colleague, expressing your concerns professionally. Reinforce your thought leadership by consistently sharing your expertise through blogs, social media, and speaking engagements. Engage with your audience by responding to comments and participating in discussions. Collaborate with other industry experts to build credibility. Finally, leverage testimonials and endorsements to reinforce your authentic contributions and expertise.