Be Your Authentic Self At Work. Here’s How. – October 25, 2017

For teams and organizations to be successful, there needs to be a culture where people feel safety and trust, and free to bring their whole selves to work. Just look at Southwest Airlines. Employees are encouraged to have fun, interact with customers and show—well—happiness. This creates a sense of energy that permeates throughout the organization.

When we can bring our whole-selves to work, we feel more fulfilled, part of the team, important, creative and happy, and we problem-solve more creatively. However, many of us work in cultures of conformity where we do what we need to do to just fit in. In fact, a study by Deloitte found that more than half of us cover up some part of our identity at work to try to blend in.

So, how can you bring your whole-self to the table? In this issue of Promotional Consultant Today, we share these tips from leadership development coach Dawn Hoenie.

1. Embrace Your Whole-Self. Wholeness means we bring all the aspects of who we are to work—our passions, strengths, vulnerability, relationships, quirks, talent, and emotions. This allows us to be ourselves and alleviates the pressure to leave our authentic selves behind during working hours.

2. Be Courageous. Your whole-self includes your heart. It takes courage and vulnerability to speak your feelings and show what you are passionate about. For people and innovation to truly thrive, everyone needs to be able to speak up without feeling they’ll be criticized for their ideas. If the culture doesn’t support this, people will suffer. Innovation will suffer. Your company will suffer. People will keep their ideas to themselves, and perhaps leave their job. If you are a leader, this is your opportunity to make positive changes.

3. Face Conflict. Sometimes conflict keeps us caged-up because we’re fearful of the outcome if we lean into the situation. However, if we face the fear and have the conversation we need to have instead of withholding our perspective, we will free up much needed attention and energy, feel better and improve communication with the other person. With a listening-for-understanding approach to the situation, you will take steps toward resolution and foster authenticity with the other person.

4. Be Yourself. If you feel you are “faking it” at work just to keep your job, then it’s time to make some changes, because “faking it” will hurt you over time. You don’t have to throw your career away, but look at how much you’re sacrificing and compromising to keep up your pretense. Can you make different choices in your current organization?

If you’re part of the leadership, your people should feel comfortable bringing their authentic selves to the work they do and to your team. Having a culture that goes beyond just making money is a great start. Organizations that focus beyond profits and instill a culture of purpose are more likely to retain good employees.

Your business strategy won’t go far without your people behind it. A toxic culture will negatively impact your business, no matter how great a strategy you map out. Create a culture that celebrates authenticity.

Source: Dawn Hoenie is a facilitator, leadership development coach and trainer.