Authenticity is a word that gained significant attention in 2023, topping the charts as the most searched term according to Merriam-Webster. Defined as being genuine and true to oneself, it’s no surprise that authenticity is a quality many of us seek in ourselves and others.
Authenticity is not about sharing every detail of our lives, expressing unfiltered opinions that may be hurtful to others, or sacrificing your boundaries. It involves a deep sense of self-awareness, and aligning our actions with our values and beliefs. Showing up as our true self promotes others to do the same, signaling relief and safety, and providing the basis for a genuine bond to form. These become the people you look for as soon as you walk into the office or when joining a virtual meeting. As we’ve all heard before, humans are social creatures, and it’s in our DNA to thrive in environments where we can foster connections, experience acceptance, and feel valued.
According to Brené Brown, American professor, author and podcast host, authenticity “is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we’re supposed to be and embracing who we are.”
When people can cultivate genuine relationships at work, collaboration, productivity, employee satisfaction, and retention skyrocket. Research by Harvard Business Review shows that a strong sense of belonging among employees lowers turnover risk by 50% and increases job performance by 56%.
Despite the benefits, not everyone finds it easy to embrace authenticity. Twentieth-century sociologist and social psychologist Erving Goffman conceptualized the term “impression management”, which refers to the often unconscious process of trying to manage how others perceive us. Code-switching, for example, is a way individuals, particularly marginalized groups, adjust their language, behavior, and appearance to fit into the dominant culture. These practices can certainly hinder our ability to show up authentically at work.
The consequences of spending time in an environment where we can’t be our authentic selves are significant. According to a study by BetterUp, 25% of employees don’t feel they belong, while 40% feel isolated. Considering the amount of time we spend working, this is an alarming statistic. Work is an extension of our lives, and living authentically should be a priority.
While this is not an exhaustive list, which of the barriers below resonate with you and make it challenging for you to bring your authentic self to work?
What leaders can do:
- Encourage Open Communication: Foster a culture of open communication where employees feel safe expressing their thoughts, ideas, and concerns without fear of judgment.
- Lead by Example: Leaders should set the tone for authenticity by modeling genuine behavior and vulnerability.
- Promote Diversity and Inclusion: Actively promote diversity and inclusion by implementing inclusive policies, practices, and initiatives.
- Provide Training and Education: Offer training and education programs on diversity, unconscious bias, cultural sensitivity, and inclusive communication.
- Foster Psychological Safety: Encourage open dialogue, respect differences, and provide support systems to address any challenges individuals may face.
- Emphasize Authentic Leadership: Train leaders to lead authentically by encouraging them to show vulnerability, communicate honestly, and empower their team members.
- Celebrate Individuality: Recognize and celebrate the unique strengths, skills, and perspectives that each employee brings to the table.
- Encourage Work-Life Balance: Promote work-life balance by offering flexible work arrangements and policies that accommodate personal responsibilities.
- Recognize and Address Micro-inequities: Be vigilant in recognizing and addressing micro-inequities that can erode authenticity in the workplace.
- Regularly Seek Employee Feedback: Conduct surveys, focus groups, or one-on-one discussions to gather feedback from employees regarding their experiences of authenticity in the workplace.
What employees can do:
- Self-Reflection: Take time to reflect on your values, beliefs, and personal identity. Recognize your strengths, passions, and areas where you can uniquely contribute.
- Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries about what feels authentic to you and determine what you are comfortable sharing or not sharing about your personal life or opinions.
- Build Supportive Relationships: Cultivate genuine relationships with colleagues where you can share experiences, seek guidance, and offer support to one another.
- Practice Vulnerability: Take calculated risks to share your authentic thoughts, ideas, and concerns with your colleagues or supervisors.
- Seek Opportunities for Growth: Look for development programs, trainings, or workshops that focus on self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and communication skills.
- Embrace Differences: Embrace diversity in the workplace and recognize the value of different perspectives.
- Practice Self-Care: Prioritize self-care to support your overall well-being. Set boundaries to maintain a healthy work-life balance and engage in activities that recharge you outside of work.
- Communicate Assertively: Develop your assertiveness skills to express your needs, concerns, and ideas confidently and respectfully.
- Challenge Insecurities: Identify and challenge any insecurities or fears that may inhibit your authenticity and work on building self-confidence and reframing negative self-talk into positive affirmations.
- Lead by Example: Demonstrate genuine behavior, active listening, and respect for others’ authenticity and inspire others through your actions.
By incorporating these strategies, organizations can cultivate an environment that not only values and respects employees but also encourages them to embrace their authentic selves, leading to a more inclusive and productive workplace.
