Layer 1: Preventive Documentation
The Project Origin Document At the start of every significant initiative, create and circulate:
``` Project: [Name] Initiated by: [Your name] Date: [Start date] Problem Statement: [Business challenge you identified] Proposed Solution: [Your approach] Expected Impact: [Quantified predictions] Key Stakeholders: [Who's involved] ```
Email this to all stakeholders with: "Excited to kick off [project]. Attached is the project charter for our records."
The Innovation Log Maintain a shared document that tracks: - Original ideas and who proposed them - Key decisions and who made them - Problems solved and who solved them - Results achieved and who drove them
David's Implementation: Created a simple Google Doc for each project titled "[Project Name] - Innovation & Decision Log" - Updated it weekly - Shared link in all project communications - Referenced it in presentations
Result: Clear audit trail of contributions
Layer 2: Active Attribution
The Strategic CC When sending important updates, strategically include: - Your manager - Skip-level manager - Key stakeholders who influence your career - Project sponsors
But be selective—overuse dilutes impact.
The Public Acknowledgment Request When others present your work:
"Hi [Name],
Thanks for presenting the [project] results today. Since I led the initial analysis and strategy, would you mind mentioning that in your presentation? Happy to provide a quick slide with the project history if helpful.
Best, [Your name]"
Success rate: 89% comply when asked professionally
The Meeting Minute Mastery Volunteer to take meeting notes, then: - Document who proposed what - Clarify ownership of action items - Send notes within 2 hours - Include: "As discussed, I'll be leading [initiative]"
Layer 3: Credit Architecture
The Presentation Sandwich When presenting collaborative work:
1. Opening Credit: "This project succeeded thanks to [specific contributions from others]" 2. Your Core Value: Clearly articulate your unique contribution 3. Closing Partnership: "Looking forward to continuing this collaboration"
This approach: - Demonstrates leadership and grace - Makes others want to credit you reciprocally - Clearly establishes your role
The Email Signature Trail Every email about your project should reinforce ownership:
"Best regards, David K. Product Manager | Customer Retention Initiative Lead [Link to project dashboard]"
The Dashboard Dynasty Create visible dashboards for your projects that include: - Your name as project lead - Real-time metrics - Historical progress - ROI calculations
Make these the single source of truth that everyone references.
Layer 4: Amplification Alliances
The Credit Partner System Build reciprocal relationships: - Publicly credit colleagues' contributions - They naturally reciprocate - Creates culture of attribution - Rises above zero-sum thinking
David's Alliance Example: Partnered with Sarah from Engineering: - He credited her technical innovations - She credited his product vision - Both reputations enhanced - Leadership noticed their effectiveness
The Skip-Level Strategy Schedule quarterly coffees with skip-level manager: - Share project updates directly - Provide context often lost in translation - Build direct relationship - Ensure accurate understanding of contributions