When we talk about authenticity in the workplace, the prevailing wisdom seems to be to "bring your full self" to every professional scenario.
But is this truly practical or beneficial in all cases?
While it’s important to show up authentically, it’s equally important to understand that not all aspects of your personality and life need to be on display at work. This concept doesn't mean suppressing who you are; it's about selectively showcasing the facets of your personality that align with your professional roles and enhance your value in the workplace.
Embracing Professional Authenticity
Authenticity doesn't mean an unfiltered expression of every thought, feeling, and background story. It means integrating your true self in ways that are productive and appropriate for your work environment. This approach focuses on the qualities that boost your professional effectiveness. It’s about choosing which parts of your identity best serve you and your career objectives. This approach is not about hiding your true self; rather, it’s about understanding the dynamics of your workplace and adapting your personal expression in ways that advance your professional goals.
Here are four key ways you can strategically show up authentic:
Professional Skills and Personal Traits: If you have a sharp wit or an ability to inspire through storytelling, these are traits that can be harnessed to enhance presentations or lead team meetings. However, personal opinions on sensitive or unrelated topics might be better left for more private settings.
Cultural and Background Diversity: Your unique cultural background and life experiences are assets in an increasingly global business environment. They can bring unique perspectives to problem-solving and innovation. Here, you can decide to bring forward your insights when they can drive success in project outcomes or foster inclusivity.
Natural Hair as a Form of Expression: Embracing your natural, kinky hair is a profound way to assert your identity, but it's also an area where many feel pressured to conform. I often see women (myself included) camouflage their natural curls to adhere to traditional corporate standards. However, showcasing your natural hair can challenge these outdated norms and inspire others to embrace their authenticity. This choice should be about what makes you feel powerful and professional, whether that means wearing your hair naturally or choosing a style that makes you feel most confident.
Passion Projects and Hobbies: Sharing your outside interests and passions can humanize you in the workplace and create deeper connections with your colleagues. For example, if you’re passionate about environmental issues, find ways to incorporate sustainability into your work projects or lead initiatives that align with your company’s social responsibility goals. This not only showcases your authenticity but also leverages your passions in a way that adds value to your company.
We are not advocating Code-Switching
Before I go, it is important that I clarify that being selective in your authentic expression is not the same as code-switching. Code-switching is where individuals may feel compelled to alter their speech, behavior, or appearance to "fit in" with different groups. Instead, I am championing being mindful of and intentional with how you integrate your authentic self into your work spaces without compromising your identity.
This approach allows you to remain true to yourself while being strategic about how you navigate professional spaces by leveraging the most impactful aspects of your identity, personality and background to enhance your professional interactions and career trajectory.
In summary, while you should absolutely bring your authentic self to work, remember that not all of who you are needs a work badge. By practicing selective expression, you can present yourself authentically and effectively, ensuring that you are not just seen, but also valued and respected in your workplace.
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