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My boss, who owns the company I work for, is an egomaniac. She constantly asks for my suggestions, which she consequently disregards. Months later, when it becomes apparent that competitors are doing exactly what I suggested, she uses my idea as if she thought of it and then takes the credit for it. Then it becomes my job to implement the idea in a hurry. She does the same thing with any information I give her. What should I do?' -- ivillager Kate.
Here's what to do to avoid tearing your hair out while you are waiting for all your good ideas to pay off. When you think of ideas, don't blurt them out. Think them through. Make sure you tell your boss about the really good ones in front of someone else. It's always safer to phrase your suggestions as questions. 'Do you think it would be a good idea to start selling our own products direct to customers over the Internet?' Your boss may reject your idea initially only to adopt it later, but both of you will know that others heard you. You should also get into the habit of updating her on a more formal basis. Give her a list of things, on paper or by email, and tell her how your projects are going. Date it. Somewhere in the middle, include a short paragraph on your new suggestion. Then you will have your ideas documented without being obvious about it.
Remember to keep smiling through this. You want to look as if having good ideas and getting them done is easy for someone as talented and as destined for big things as you are. Remember that achieving your ambitions is the best revenge.
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