Ditch the Mask : The Power of Authenticity at Work

4 min read

TLDR: Being your true self at work has multiple benefits for both you and the organisation. It requires a balanced approach of self-reflection, appropriate vulnerability, open communication, and setting appropriate boundaries. By gradually increasing openness, seeking feedback, and leading by example, professionals can cultivate a genuine persona that aligns with their values while respecting workplace norms and colleagues' feelings.

Think of your best friends, your partner or your go-to work colleagues. They all have something in common: they are the people with whom you feel most comfortable. The reason — you feel safe with them and they with you. This psychological safety allows you to be truly authentic.

Being yourself at work isn't the latest feel-good managerial buzz-phrase. It isn't just about being personally fulfilling, it’s also a shrewd business strategy. It's a powerful tool that can skyrocket your career, transform your workplace and fuel business growth.

What it doesn’t mean is sharing every personal detail or disregarding professional norms. Rather, it's about aligning your outward actions and words with your inner values and beliefs. It's the courage to present your true self, complete with your unique perspectives, skills, and even vulnerabilities. It's not about oversharing your deepest, darkest secrets or turning the office into your personal therapy session. It's about showing up as the real you, warts and all, instead of putting on a fake persona that could eventually crack under pressure.

What’s in it For You?

1. It Facilitates Trust

When we're authentic, we create an environment of trust. Would you trust someone who's constantly putting on an act, or someone who's genuine and upfront? Trust is the foundation of any solid business relationship, and authenticity is the fast track to building it. Colleagues, clients, and leaders appreciate knowing where they stand with you. This transparency forms the bedrock of strong, lasting professional relationships.

2. Enhanced Creativity and Innovation

When you're not wasting energy on maintaining a facade, you've got more mental bandwidth for creative thinking and problem-solving. Authenticity allows us to tap into our unique viewpoints and experiences. This can lead to fresh ideas and innovative solutions that might otherwise remain unexplored.

3. Reduced Stress and Improved Wellbeing

Constantly pretending to be someone you're not is exhausting. Trying to remember what you’ve told to whom is not a good use of energy. Embracing authenticity can significantly reduce this emotional labour, leading to decreased stress levels and improved overall wellbeing.

4. Stronger Relationships

People are drawn to authenticity. When you're genuine, you create opportunities for real connections with your colleagues and clients. These deeper relationships lead to better collaboration, increased job satisfaction, and a more positive work environment overall.

5. Enhanced Leadership

Authentic leaders are like gold dust in the business world. They create an environment where team members feel safe to express themselves, leading to improved communication, collaboration, and ultimately, better results. Authentic leadership cultivates a culture of openness and mutual respect.

What Happens When You Try to be Someone You're Not at Work?

1. Trust Erodes - When people sense that you're not being genuine, it erodes trust and damages reputation. It’s also disporportionately hard to regain it.

2. You Risk Burnout - Failing to be true to who you really are is like running a mental marathon - eventually, you'll likely hit a wall. When that happens, your performance suffers, your relationships strain, and your mental health takes a nosedive. It's not pretty, and it's certainly not sustainable.

3. You Miss Opportunities - By hiding your true self, you might miss out on opportunities that align with your genuine strengths and interests. You're less likely to speak up with your ideas or challenge the status quo.

4. Decision Making is Compromised - we may make decisions that don't align with our values or long-term goals.

5. Job Satisfaction is Impacted - Constantly wearing a mask at work can lead to feelings of disconnection and that we’re doing things under duress.

How to Embrace Authenticity Without Crossing Professional Boundaries

1. Self-Reflect: Understand your personal values, strengths and weaknesses. You can't be authentic if you don't know who you are, what makes you tick and what you might need to work on.

2. Be Vulnerable: It's okay to admit when you don't know something or when you've made a mistake. It shows you're human and builds trust with your colleagues. People are naturally drawn to people who they don’t feel intimidated or threatened by. Start small by sharing your genuine thoughts in low-stakes situations. As you become more comfortable, you can increase your openness in more significant contexts.

3. Communicate Openly: Share your thoughts and ideas, even if they're different from the norm. Your unique perspective could be just what your team needs. Remember, however, that authenticity doesn't mean disregarding others' feelings.

4. Set Boundaries: Being authentic doesn't mean oversharing. It's about being genuine while maintaining professional standards.

5. Seek Feedback: Ask trusted colleagues or mentors for their perceptions. Their insights can help you refine how you express your authentic self in professional settings.

6. Lead by Example: If you're in a leadership position, model authenticity for your team. Create an environment where people feel safe to be themselves.

7. Embrace Continuous Growth: Remember that your persona isn't static. As you grow and evolve, so too will how your authenticity shows up in the workplace.

Remember, authenticity isn't about being perfect – it's about being real. It's about showing up as your best self, flaws and all, and using your unique strengths to contribute to your workplace.

So, here's your challenge: for the next week, commit to being a bit more authentic at work. Speak up in that meeting, share that left field idea, or admit when you're struggling with a task. You might be surprised at how positively people respond to the real you.

If any of this resonates with you and you’d like help in finding your authentic self at work or to establish what your personal values are, please contact me here.