"Bread Crumbs"

I have learned one thing in the working environment, that paper trails can work both ways, ask the Enron people. But my suggestion to those who have an idea, and work with backstabbers, is to protect your idea by arranging to leave a dated paper trial, that if needed, can prove that you are the originator, and if possible witnessed by a third party, even outside of your department, this has saved my hide on a number of occasions.

anonymously, Paper Trailer

Dear "Paper Trailer",

I take it that you are commenting on some of the letters that have appeared about others taking credit for work that you have done.

Creating a paper trail is indeed one way to provide evidence that you are responsible for actions taken within the firm. As you point out, this trail can be a good thing, or not.

Working in an environment where you feel a need to always be defensive, where you feel like you are surrounded by backstabbers, must be a pretty stressful way to live. You say that you have saved your own hide by documenting ideas, but I wonder if that is the best way to deal with the situation. It sounds like you are getting good at the game of office politics, rather than getting past office politics.

I would encourage you to approach management about creating incentives for you and your fellow employees to share ideas in a creative way that would recognize the contributions of all. My experience is that one person's idea is never as good as an idea that has been bounced around with a group of people.

Thanks for your comments.

Dr. John

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