Credit and Blame at Work

For better or for worse, the dynamics of credit and blame are at the heart of every team and organization and make or break every career. Unfortunately, credit and blame are rarely assigned in an objective or fair manner, and individual psychology, team dynamics, and corporate culture all influence, and are influenced by, how credit and blame are given and received. Too often, people and organizations get caught up in "the blame game" and the wrong people get blamed for the wrong reasons at the wrong time. The result can be that people are demotivated and demoralized, focus more on organizational politics than on getting the job done, and are too afraid to speak up or experiment with new approaches.

"Credit and Blame at Work is a modern management masterpiece; one of the most well-crafted business books I have ever read. It is useful, timeless, and often counter-intuitive. This compelling gem weaves together rigorous research and commonsense to show how the wisest, most humane, and most effective leaders get ahead -- and enable their teams and organizations to succeed -- in surprising ways."

-- Robert I. Sutton, Stanford Professor and author of Good Boss, Bad Boss

"Packed full of intriguing, all-too-familiar stories, and based on a foundation of well established theories and research, Credit and Blame at Work is an excellent resource for developing greater self awareness about the dangerous allure, and greater social awareness about the contagious effects, of blame. Ben Dattner provides us with sound practical advice about how to stop playing the blame game, and how to instead create and maintain relationships and organizations based on honesty, trust and respect."

-- Annie McKee, co-author of Primal Leadership and founder, Teleos Leadership Institute

"Blame and credit constitute a hidden economy that, if not managed properly, can undermine even the most promising organizations and derail even the most promising careers. This book is an encyclopedia of blame in the workplace that anyone, at any level of their company and at any stage of their career, can benefit from reading."

-- Keith McFarland, #1 Best Selling Author of The Breakthrough Company and Bounce.

"We've all suffered from the blame game, whether we are the one getting unfairly blamed, or the one yielding to the temptation to unproductively blame others. Through the lens of organizational psychology, Ben Dattner explains why blame is so prevalent in the workplace and presents so many challenges in our careers. Then he shares practical advice for how to break free from the blame game by taking appropriate responsibility for our actions, learning from our mistakes, and giving others the credit they are due."

-- Susan Nolen-Hoeksema, author of Women Who Think Too Much and The Power of Women

"Through a wealth of stories and research, Credit and Blame at Work presents a compelling case that individuals, groups and organizations can benefit greatly by focusing less on blame and more on problem solving and collaboration. Leaders at any level of any organization will find practical guidance for how they can make this shift and also lead others in a better direction."

-- Pamela Meyer, author, From Workplace to Playspace: Innovating, Learning and Changing Through Dynamic Engagement

"Ben Dattner has authored a brilliant and timely book. Unfortunately, the blame game is alive and all too well in business today. In Credit and Blame at Work the author offers us insights as to how to change the game and create healthy and productive companies."

-- Doug Lennick, author, Moral Intelligence

"An excellent, thought-provoking book; a must read"

-- Booklist

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