Ask the Expert Randy Prange is a business advisor and CEO of Insights, Inc., a nationally recognized strategic planning and business development firm. Boss takes credit for my work Q: I'm going crazy. My boss always gives me the hardest work to do, then takes credit for everything! What can I do get the credit that is do me? Judy, mad in Madison A: Dear Judy, This is truly a tough situation to face in the workplace. Let's look at one approach for you to consider. Ask for a few minutes to talk about your performance. Ask your boss how she/he thinks you are doing, if the level of work is up to the expectations she/he has for you and how you might do better. After setting the stage that you are committed to your job and to high levels of performance your boss should be more open to your opinions and feelings. After reviewing your performance, you can mention that one of the barriers you feel exists to achieving a higher level of performance is your observation or feeling that you don't necessarily receive full credit for your efforts. You should note that receiving credit is important to you and it is a great motivation for you. Don't directly accuse your boss of taking credit due you. She/he will get the idea if you approach it in a more indirect, diplomatic manner. Also, you may discover in the performance review that there are other issues you need to consider or address in your job to achieve a higher level of accomplishment. Communications is almost always the key to achieving your goals. Be honest, but be diplomatic in your approach to others in the workplace. Remember, you must still work for or with them after you have addressed your concerns. Disclaimer: The information in this column is intended to provide the reader with general ideas or concepts to be used as part of a broader base of knowledge they collect to determine their own best course of action and solutions most suitable for solving their workplace challenges. The information in this column is not guaranteed to be the appropriate solution for each individual. The information provided is based on personal observations and experiences of the writer that have been garnered over years as a business manager, owner and executive business coach and counselor.