Just like the saying goes, his good reputation preceded him.
At least half a dozen people told me I would enjoy hearing him speak because leadership was his “thing.” So, when he was announced as a speaker for an association to which I belonged, I signed up to attend.
His 45-minute talk was informative, full of good tips and pointers on how to be an authentic leader and build employee engagement. Audience members had scribbled notes and nodded affirmatively throughout his presentation.
When he was finished, the applause was loud and long. A few individuals stood as they applauded.
A friend and I approached him after the talk.
“Thank you for sharing with our group,” I said. “Everyone enjoyed the information.”
“I appreciated the opportunity.”
“Are you a fan of ‘X’ and ‘Y?'” I politely inquired. They were favorites of mine, and almost all of his material was taken verbatim from their books. On one slide, he shared a direct quote from them, but the quote wasn’t attributed to them.
“So you’re familiar with ‘X’ and ‘Y?'” I don’t meet many people who are.”
“Their work is excellent.”
“It is,” he said.
“May I ask you a rather difficult question?”
“Please do.”
“Is there a reason you didn’t mention them? Perhaps some people would be interested in reading their books if they knew about them?”
“Don’t see the need. I’m passing along their thoughts, so why is giving their name so important to you?”
His question surprised me. Isn’t giving credit where credit is due one of life’s ground rules?
His cavalier attitude prompted me to wonder if the content shared at his other well-received presentations was his original material or the work of someone else passed off as his own.
On our drive home, my gal pal told me she shocked at what I had asked him, “You did it so politely but still! I just can’t believe you did that. Didn’t you feel like you were being rude?”
“No, I didn’t. Now you’ve made me curious. What shocks you more? That I asked him or that he let the audience think the ideas he presented were all his?”
“Good question. I guess taking credit for someone else’s work is worse. It just surprised me that you said something to him. Seems kinda mean.”
Interesting!
From my perspective, not saying anything is condoning questionable behavior, and that speaking up—tactfully; with grace and professionalism; in a friendly, non-hostile way—is the right thing to do.
What are your thoughts? Was I right or wrong to speak up?
Image source (before quote): morgueFile
This is a topic closely tied to my values. I applaud you for speaking up.
Anita – thank you for your kind words and for having moral courage!
Thank you, Jane, for speaking up. I’m afraid that a lot of “leaders” get there on the backs of others they don’t acknowledge.
Attribution is so important, and not surprised you agree, JoAnne, given your high ethics and integrity!
How is what you did “mean”? That one had me taken aback. Love it to see there are folks who walk their integrity and are willing to speak up.
Michele — I think many women are socialized to be “nice” and avoid conflict. My pal was raised in the south, so her “good girl” needs run high.
Another person told me that people feel high pressure to be politically correct so they don’t say anything as doing so would be viewed as being politically incorrect…oh my goodness, has it come to that?!
I certainly agree with what you did, I’m not sure I could have done that myself. People like that need to hear that and hopefully, one day will stop plagiarizing others.