Support from the leader sets a great example to partnership. Any kind of feedback to the HR should be heard and taken action upon with valid facts and support from the employee's leader. Special attention to the problem is not always taken but how to navigate through problems and develop listening skills towards the workforce is should be the focus of HR professionals.

Let them have them. There is no courage to been found in looting ideas- even less when claiming them as your own. Soon enough, they'll come a time when the thief's metal will be tested, and they'll be nothing in the stolen safe to put on display. What happens then? Well, they'll be found out as a fraud and the decision makers (whom are still interested interested in finding an idea to fix the problem), will come looking. And there you will be, ideas and all. It's kind of like Coach Klein in the movie "Waterboy". His blue playbook is home to enormous intelligent weight. And once stolen, Coach Beaulieu claims the plays as his own. Until he runs out of them... The truth has a way of liberating all, eventually. Stay the course.

Communication is key here, I would always advocate direct confrontation in this situation, point out the issue and be open minded to the answer to identify a solution moving forwards. There can be numerous reasons for someone claiming work, it could be that they felt they created the concept - in policing we are constantly reinventing the wheel and it's been spinning for hundreds of years..) but there's no point beating around the bush and risking resentment building which can negatively affect the wider team dynamic.

The first step is to ensure that your contributions are documented. Whenever possible, record your ideas in project management tools or send proposals via email to create a clear track record. It is also important to be proactive in presenting your ideas directly in meetings or to leaders, articulating how they contribute to the team’s goals. If the behavior continues to harm your visibility or growth, consider discreetly approaching the team leader and presenting concrete examples of your contributions. However, if the colleague's behavior persists, have a respectful and private conversation with them. Use an approach focused on how you feel, avoiding accusations

Let them take it. Ultimately, you’ve likely done more to earn the trust of your team. Through organic conversations and your proven history the reality of the ideas origination will likely show on its own. If not, the one “taking credit” is untrustworthy and you’ll stop sharing ideas and wins for them to take the credit for.

You: "I noticed something and wanted your thoughts on it." (Open with curiosity.) Them: "Sure, what is it?" You: "Some ideas we’ve discussed privately were presented as solely yours. Am I seeing that wrong?" (Ask a calibrated question.) Them: "I didn’t mean to take credit—I thought we were collaborating." (They deflect.) You: "I get that. Collaboration is key, but when credit isn’t shared, it feels off. How can we fix this?" (Label and invite a solution.) Them: "You’re right. I’ll make sure to highlight our work together." You: "Thanks. Let’s keep ensuring we both get the recognition we deserve." (Close positively.)

This situation requires a careful and strategic approach. Start by addressing the issue privately to understand the motivation behind such behavior. Encourage a culture of mutual recognition by actively giving credit to those who contribute, setting a positive example for the team. If this approach doesn’t resolve the issue, consider documenting your contributions and involving the manager as a last resort to ensure fairness and accountability.

No worries. Everybody can have the idea, but nobody knows the execution. This is why I never explain my idea completely (only the big picture). You can get the idea, you can steal it, or even own it. Be my guest. In the end, you need to execute it, right? How are you going to do it? You don't know, right? So if you want to steal my ideas, be my guest. I love when you do it, because I know you are ready to humiliate yourself. C'mon... I challenge you.... take mine....

I found the following quote from Harry S Truman to be so empowering in this scenario - “It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit”.