Yesterday I mentioned how sometimes it’s easy to claim credit when things go right, but then shift the blame when things go wrong.

But why does this happen? Why do some people like to focus primarily on what they contributed, not on everyone else involved. Perhaps it’s because doing so makes them feel better about themselves. Or, maybe it’s because they want to impress those around them. Or, perhaps it’s because they fear that by giving credit to others, they may not receive any credit themselves.

But being generous in sharing the credit for success doesn’t negate their own contribution. What it does do, though, is demonstrate that they’re secure enough in who they are, and what they’ve done, that they’re willing to share the spotlight with others. They don’t feel the compulsion to have all the attention or claim the credit for themselves.

Not only does sharing credit with others not diminish what someone does, but it also makes it clear that they understand and value the contribution of others—something that typically engenders good will from those around.