What Does It Mean to Be Authentic at Work?
Authenticity, the idea of being true to oneself regardless of external pressures, is a highly valued trait in today’s workplace. For example, a study published in the Journal of Business and Psychology found that employees who felt empowered to express their authentic selves reported higher job satisfaction and stronger workplace relationships, underscoring the importance of authenticity in fostering a positive work environment. It’s often seen as the key to building trust and fostering meaningful relationships. However, the paradox of authenticity lies in its complexity: while we admire authenticity in others, many of us hesitate to fully reveal ourselves at work, fearing judgment or social repercussions.
The “real me” is a concept many of us grapple with. We desire to present a genuine image to the world, but is there a singular “true self” to express? As explored in the Hidden Brain series Wellness 2.0, which we highly recommend, authenticity is a nuanced journey with significant implications for well-being. To understand how to navigate it effectively, we must examine the costs of inauthenticity and the benefits of living authentically—both personally and professionally.
What Are the Costs of Living Inauthentically?
Living inauthentically can feel like a betrayal of oneself, leading to a breach of trust—not only with others but within our own psyche. This experience can be seen in the story of Erica Bailey, a social scientist who grew up in a restrictive fundamentalist church. Her journey highlights the emotional and psychological toll of suppressing one’s true beliefs to conform to external expectations, a challenge that many individuals face when navigating the tension between personal authenticity and societal or organizational demands.
In Erica’s case, the pressure to conform included discouragement from pursuing outside relationships, public shaming, and spiritual manipulation to maintain control. This resulted in a constant questioning of right and wrong, creating a false sense of security but ultimately leading to her realization of the church’s inauthentic promises. Her eventual decision to voice her doubts marked a turning point towards reclaiming her autonomy.
This illustrates the broader experience of inauthenticity: the psychological cost of suppressing one’s true self often manifests as anxiety, depression, and difficulty forming genuine connections. A concrete example in the workplace is an employee who consistently suppresses their creative ideas to align with a manager’s preferences, leading to disengagement and diminished morale.
How Does Inauthenticity Impact Workplace Behavior?
In the workplace, the need to conform to professional norms often requires what psychologists call emotional labor—the effort to manage one’s emotions and expressions to meet organizational expectations. For example, customer service representatives often smile and maintain a cheerful demeanor, even when dealing with rude or irate customers. This act of emotional regulation highlights the invisible strain employees face in balancing authentic feelings with organizational demands.
Consider a barista who consistently deals with difficult customers yet must remain polite and upbeat. Similarly, consultants adhering to rigid dress codes and communication protocols might suppress aspects of their identity to project professionalism. These examples show how emotional labor manifests in everyday scenarios.
However, this kind of emotional labor can come at a high cost:
- Stress and Exhaustion: Constantly presenting a facade can lead to burnout.
- Interpersonal Costs: Suppressing one’s identity to conform can strain relationships and create feelings of isolation.
- Unethical Behavior: Maintaining highly segmented personal and professional selves can enable rationalizing unethical behavior, as individuals separate actions at work from their “true selves.”
An example of this is Ellen DeGeneres, whose public persona of kindness clashed with reports of a toxic work environment, highlighting the disconnect that can arise between public image and internal workplace culture.
When Should You Be Authentic at Work?
While authenticity is beneficial, it must be carefully balanced with workplace norms and contexts. The story of Erica Bailey underscores that being authentic can sometimes lead to significant social costs, such as isolation or professional setbacks. So, how can you determine when to embrace authenticity at work?
Build a Foundation of Self-Knowledge
Start by seeking honest feedback through tools like 360-degree reviews. Reflect on your upbringing, values, and experiences that shape your management philosophy. For example, understanding your core values—such as fairness or creativity—can guide your actions and make you appear more authentic to others.
Consider the Relevance to the Task
Authenticity doesn’t mean sharing every aspect of your personal life. Ask yourself if a disclosure will help achieve workplace goals. For instance, consider a manager addressing a team after a project setback. Sharing a personal experience about overcoming a professional failure can inspire resilience and motivate the team. However, delving into unrelated personal struggles might shift focus and detract from workplace objectives.
For example, a senior executive leading a change initiative might share a story of past resistance to change and how they overcame it, thereby fostering empathy and buy-in from the team. This aligns authenticity with the task at hand.
Understand Cultural and Organizational Norms
Different workplaces and cultures have varying expectations about self-disclosure. Research these norms and observe cues like eye contact and the level of candor in conversations. A misstep in self-disclosure—such as oversharing—can lead to misunderstandings or reduced credibility. For instance, in a highly conservative corporate environment, an employee might choose to discuss their passion for mentoring rather than their personal hobbies.
What Are the Benefits of Workplace Authenticity?
When done thoughtfully, being authentic at work can lead to:
- Improved Well-Being: Authenticity is linked to greater life satisfaction and happiness.
- Stronger Relationships: Being genuine fosters trust and deeper connections.
- Increased Work Engagement: Without the mental burden of managing a facade, individuals can focus more on their tasks.
A study on Facebook users revealed that aligning one’s online persona with one’s true self correlated with higher subjective well-being. This principle applies to the workplace: authenticity enables employees to bring their whole selves to work, resulting in greater satisfaction and productivity. For example, an employee who shares their passion for volunteering might inspire colleagues and create a sense of shared purpose.
How Can You Navigate Authenticity in Professional Relationships?
Authenticity is not about perfection but about embracing both your virtues and flaws. Self-compassion plays a critical role in this process. By showing kindness towards yourself and recognizing that imperfections are part of being human, you can approach authenticity with optimism and resilience.
Practice Self-Compassion
Engaging in self-compassionate reflection can help you manage anxiety and maintain authenticity. For example, instead of harshly criticizing yourself for a mistake at work, view it as a learning opportunity. This approach not only fosters personal growth but also helps you navigate workplace dynamics with confidence.
Use Conversations to Build Authenticity
Talking with colleagues can clarify your values and motivations. Sharing relevant personal experiences in a safe, professional manner can foster mutual understanding and strengthen workplace relationships. For instance, a new team leader might discuss their initial struggles with imposter syndrome to build rapport with their team.
Conclusion: Should You Be Yourself at Work?
Authenticity in the workplace is a balancing act, requiring a thoughtful integration of personal values and professional norms. Key strategies for achieving this balance include building self-awareness, understanding organizational culture, and strategically disclosing aspects of your true self to align with workplace goals. While living authentically can lead to greater well-being and stronger relationships, it’s essential to navigate it thoughtfully within the context of professional norms and expectations.
Key Takeaways
- Authenticity is a Journey: It’s an ongoing process of self-discovery and adaptation.
- Embrace Self-Compassion: Kindness towards yourself fosters greater authenticity.
- Be Strategic: Share aspects of your true self that align with workplace goals and cultural norms.
Ultimately, being yourself at work is less about revealing every aspect of who you are and more about finding moments where your values and actions align—allowing you to contribute meaningfully while maintaining your well-being.
