Three steps that will shut down idea thieves

Episode 248

Picture this: You're sitting in a meeting watching your coworker present YOUR idea as their own. Your heart is racing, but you say nothing.

I've been there. At Amazon, I watched someone steal my idea and get promoted for it. That moment taught me something crucial about surviving in a toxic workplace.

The problem isn't that these betrayals happen. The problem is thinking you only have two options: stay silent or blow up.

There's a third way. A framework that lets you confront difficult people without feeling like a jerk or damaging your reputation.

What You'll Learn

In this episode, I share the exact 3-step framework I wish I'd known during my Amazon days. This isn't just theory—I've used this with thousands of coaching clients dealing with workplace anxiety and difficult colleagues.

This framework works whether you're dealing with:

Coworkers who steal your ideas
Colleagues who throw you under the bus in meetings
People who say one thing privately and another in front of leadership
The chronic "one-upper" on your team

Key Takeaways

Step 1: State the facts - Call out what actually happened without emotions or interpretations
Step 2: Share your honest reaction - Don't apologize for being human, but be truthful about your response
Step 3: Give them the benefit of the doubt - Create space for a real conversation by staying curious
Why avoiding confrontation keeps you stuck in resentment and feeling like a victim
How to process your anger first so you can have the conversation from a genuine place

The Real Impact

This isn't just about one difficult conversation. When you master this framework, you stop keeping mental scorecards of who you can trust. You break free from the exhaustion of managing toxic relationships.

You'll know with confidence who's on your side and who isn't. No more second-guessing yourself or staying stuck in analysis paralysis.

Why This Matters Now

If you're experiencing burnout from constantly managing difficult workplace relationships, this episode is for you. The average employee at companies like Amazon lasts less than two years. But there's a better way than just surviving until your next job.

The brutal truth: Nothing changes if nothing changes. Every week you wait is another week watching less qualified people get promoted while you stay exhausted and undervalued.

Take Action

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Published on 1 month ago

Podcast Episode Details

Three steps that will shut down idea thieves