The ONE Office Behaviour That Drives Everyone Crazy

Mondays can be a bit ‘meh’.

So, I started thinking about what really gets under my skin... those little office irritations that buzz around like a persistent mosquito: tiny, but impossible to ignore.

We all have our pet peeves: the serial WhatsApp/Slack spammer, the insincere ‘happy-go-lucky’ colleague, and of course, the meeting monopoliser.

But there’s one sneaky behaviour that’s more infuriating than all the rest-yet it rarely gets called out!

😵💫 It’s the silent saboteur of team spirit, the culprit behind disengagement and frustration.

So, what is the ONE behaviour at work that drives people absolutely bonkers?

💥 If you’ve ever had your “Eureka!” moment hijacked in a meeting, you’re not alone. The “Credit Stealer” takes the top spot... nothing zaps morale and trust quite like seeing your hard work paraded as someone else’s win.

😡Why does this drive us mad? Because it’s personal. When someone claims your idea, it’s not just about ego-it’s about fairness, trust, and the basic human need to be seen and valued.

😵 In fact, 85% of employees say they’ve encountered at least one annoying colleague, and 58% admit it seriously dents their productivity.

BUT, Here’s the kicker!

👿 Most people don’t confront the credit stealer directly. 41% wish they could say what they really think, but don’t. Instead, we vent to colleagues, stew in silence, or-gulp, become passive-aggressive.

Why?

Because many workplaces still lack the psychological safety and communication skills to handle these awkward moments head-on.

⚽ BOUNCE FORWARD™ … and communicate differently to build psychological safety in your team:

1. Spotlight a person: In meetings, make a habit of acknowledging who contributed what. “I love what Sipho suggested earlier about…”

2. Keep track of brilliance: If you’re the team leader, keep a log of people’s ideas and contributions.

3. Practice “kind candour”: Next time someone nabs your idea, try: “I’m glad you liked my suggestion! Maybe we can build on it together?”

4. As a Leader -model the way: Celebrate collaboration, not just individual wins. Make it safe (and cool) to give credit where it’s due.

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🎉 If you want a team that’s energised, creative, and resilient, you need a culture where people feel seen and safe.

⏰ That means tackling credit stealing head-on-with humour, humility, and a dash of neuroscience-backed empathy.

Make the time - and do it!

Next time you spot a “credit stealer” in the wild, don’t just fume-use it as a chance to build a better, braver workplace.

BOUNCE FORWARD™-together. Bouncing back is not an option in these turbulent times!

#BounceForward #WorkplaceCulture

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