When a colleague takes credit for AI-augmented work
The Move
Document your process, not just your output. Create a visible trail of your AI-augmented workflow.
The Script
"I want to make sure we're all clear on the workflow here. I designed the approach, built the prompts, validated the outputs against [source], and shaped the final deliverable. Happy to walk through my process if that's helpful."
Your AI Prompt
I contributed [specific work] to [project] using an AI-augmented workflow. A colleague is presenting it as their own. Draft a professional, non-confrontational message that documents my contribution clearly. Include: what I designed, what I validated, and what I shaped. Tone: confident and collaborative, not accusatory.
Why This Works
Babcock, Recalde, Vesterlund & Weingart (2017) documented that women are 48% more likely to volunteer for non-promotable tasks — and less likely to get credit when they do. Creating a documented workflow makes your contribution visible and auditable. The AI-augmented process itself becomes evidence of your strategic thinking.
Research Behind This Move
Gender Differences in Accepting Non-Promotable Tasks
Babcock, Recalde, Vesterlund & Weingart · American Economic Review · 2017
The No Club: Putting a Stop to Overworking and Being Undervalued
Babcock, Peyser, Vesterlund & Weingart · HBR Press · 2022