Most of us have a work persona. Maybe you’re an introvert, but your job requires you to do a lot of public speaking. Perhaps you’re in a same-sex or interracial relationship, but you don’t want your colleagues to know for fear of being judged. Maybe you’ve always wanted to wear your hair in a bold hairstyle, but you know it won’t be a “good look.” It might even prevent you from getting that promotion. I consider this being unauthentic at work. I’ve certainly experienced my fair share of it.
A few months ago, my partner and I were discussing the topic of being your authentic self at work. You see, as soon as we returned home from a vacation, he had a new assignment. He found out he was assigned to facilitate a panel discussion regarding the same topic the next day. The irony: he is not a public speaker. To help him prepare, we discussed what being authentic at work means.
I believe there are two levels of authenticity that one brings to work. One level is external – this is about your achieved and ascribed roles. These roles could include your sexuality, your exterior appearance, your preferences, and your hobbies. The other level is internal – it’s who you are at the core — for instance, your real personality, your values and beliefs, your insecurities, and your vices. In the Uncovering Talent study, 61% of respondents indicated they cover up some aspect of themselves at work. I would agree this figure is accurate because I’ve known co-workers who hid some facet of themselves at work, myself included.
One of my highest values is my job, and that’s because it’s my primary source of survival. According to the Chronicle of Philanthropy’s article, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Efforts Can Be Detrimental, Say Conference Attendees, “employees were told to be their authentic selves until it displeased management.” I find that being my true authentic self at work is risky. For example, in my current profession, I regularly talk to members of the community. However, truthfully, I am an introverted person. Yet, I have to get out of my element to maintain my job. Albeit, I’ve served on nonprofit boards for many years. I could be more of my authentic self because I felt I didn’t have much to lose. In my last article “Are You Trying to Reconnect to Your Authentic Self?“, I mentioned how I conformed to fit in and survive. So as you can see, I still carry this with me today.
In recent years, I’ve discovered the primary source of my contention at work is the battle to be my authentic self. As you can probably relate, I am constantly challenged by exhibiting my values while also aligning with that of my organization’s. To clarify, more particularly, those of my teammates impose on the organization. In the meantime, I continue to practice these principal values at work:
Transparency-I communicate immediately with my team when I’ve made a mistake or when a significant problem has occurred.
Reliability-I show up when I say I’m going to show up and do what I say I’m going to do.
Accountability-I hold myself accountable if failures arise. I also set deadlines for when I say I’m going to do something for someone and follow-up by the deadline.
Loyalty-I don’t throw my organization (or teammates) under the bus to clients, even when they fail at something.
What prompted the panel discussion at my partner’s job was his employer introduced a campaign. The objective of the campaign is for employees to feel comfortable being their authentic selves at work. The panel discussion went well, in the sense that he got over his nerves and was able to keep the conversation going. However, the focus remained at the external level. The panelists only described their openness to be their (external) authentic selves at work and didn’t get to the real essence of who they are.
I know that I will continue to battle with being my authentic self in future jobs. So as I continue this journey to live more intentionally, I am working on finding a specific venture. One that brings me peace and purpose, as well as allows me to express my external and internal authentic self. In the meantime, I continue to practice self-care.
Finally, I’ll leave you with this Chinese proverb that spoke to me during a moment of self-care.
“Tension is who you think you should be. Relaxation is who you are.”
Chinese Proverb
Did you find this blog post helpful? If so, share it with a friend! Also, I welcome you back to continue sharing my journey to my authentic self. I will be taking January 2020 off for self-care. However, I welcome you back for my relationship series starting February 2020. Additionally, check out a unique way of (re)connecting with your authentic self here.
Furthermore, if you are interested in interacting with me and my journey, follow me on Instagram @aquarian_busy_b.
~ Aquarian
Guest Blogger, Aquarian will update on divinelyelevated.com at least once a month, so feel free to come back every third Tuesday to check out more of her articles.
My frequency is shifting, which has awakened my inner goddess. Divine guidance is now leading my journey. Therefore, I am sharing my knowledge and life experiences.
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