As a ghostwriter, with 95% or more of what I write, only one other person in the world—my client—knows that I wrote it.
In this manner, I am able to reach a huge number of people with highly positive and actionable insights; this number is dramatically higher than I could reach on my own.
Does it bother me that I don't get credit for this work? Not at all.
I only have two goals:
1.) Delight my client
2.) Help other people
To help other people, do I need them to know that I was involved?
Nope.
By allowing other people to take credit, you can easily double or triple your impact. Is this ridiculously altruistic behavior that will sink your career? Not if you make sure the people who reward and promote you recognize the value of your contribution.
I'd argue that it's far better to make your boss look good than to worry whether your boss will tell his or her boss how much you helped.
I'd like to suggest that you redefine success so that it does not require a slap on your back, but rather relies on the satisfaction of knowing that you are making a significant impact.
Other content you might enjoy:
Create Your Own Reality—my online course