Authenticity in the Workplace

Authenticity at Work: Here’s What Happens When You Encourage Your Employees to Show Up as Their True Selves

What do your team members want? To show up as someone they're not, to put their personal lives aside while they put on a work persona? No. People want to bring their authentic selves to work. They want to be genuine, to express their personal values, and be true to who they are.  

As leaders, we need to be supporting authenticity at work. We need to encourage our teams to bring their whole self to work – even the vulnerable parts. We have a tremendous opportunity to humanize the workplace, encourage people to live their full lives, and show up as the fullest, most authentic version of themselves. We need to support the dreams and goals and values that are most important to them. We need to let their true selves shine.

What is an Authentic Self?

An Authentic self is someone who is genuine in who they are. They don’t try to conform to a certain type of person that “fits the role.” They bring their true self, even if it's less polished around the edges. They are open about their personal values by speaking up when they disagree, whether they're with a colleague or a leader. They show their true selves by not being afraid to be silly. They demonstrate authentic behavior by having genuine, open conversations. They bring the good, the bad, the raw and the real. The personal and professional blend into one.

Why Is It Important For People to Be Their Authentic Self?

When people are able to show up as who they are, who they truly are, they are happier. They can make better, more authentic decisions. When they're able to express their values and align those with work, they're more likely to feel engaged, motivated and fulfilled. When people own their confidence and feel good about themselves, it shows up in how they work and engage with others. After all, team members want to feel respected for who they are, and valued for their contributions, ideas and opinions. When they show up as their authentic self, they're more likely to feel engaged, motivated and fulfilled.

How Can We Create an Authentic Workplace Culture?

Authenticity at work starts with authentic leaders. When teams see their managers being authentic, it not only builds trust, but also gives them permission to show up more authentically. There are three simple ways to promote authenticity at work:

1. Demonstrate an authentic workplace by having a real conversation about your personal life.

Tell a team member about something you did that excited you. Talk about a challenge you had. If someone asks you how you are and you had a bad weekend, say so. Respond with honesty. Promote a sense of psychological safety by being your true self. When people feel you are having an authentic conversation, they are more likely to feel connected and able to be their whole selves.

2. Don't be afraid to show you're human.

Authentic leadership means talking to people about things that are difficult to discuss, like a performance issue or work challenge. Tell them when you messed up. Be your authentic self. When we are honest about our mistakes, it encourages workplace authenticity and creates an environment in which employees feel safe talking about their authentic feelings.

3. Demonstrate personal values by coming from a place of care and compassion, not judgment.

To be a more authentic leader, don't judge or admonish. Come from a place of care and compassion. If something has gone wrong, get curious with them. Ask the questions: “When did we know? What could we have done differently?” When we demonstrate authenticity at work by getting curious, not judgmental, we foster of sense of psychological safety where team members don't feel fear or pressure; they feel more comfortable making mistakes. And when they're more comfortable making mistakes, they're more likely to take risks, express their beliefs and have a bettter work life.

4. Let go of self-importance.

In traditional organizations, it’s very easy for leaders to feel like we’re the most important people at the table. We're not. Our team members are. In being real and authentic with others, we need to remind ourselves that we don’t have all the answers and that our team needs to help us along the way. We need to let go of our ego and the need to be right, and let our team shine.

Bold Kindness Is All About Authenticity and Being Our True Self

At Bold Kindness, we believe the traditional ways of doing business are out of date. People are ready for authenticity at work. They want to be their authentic selves—to be honest with their colleagues and say what needs to be said, without worrying about stepping on toes or thinking they may be asking stupid questions. Where they aren’t afraid they’re going to get fired if they disagree with you. So take a few minutes today and think to yourself: what's one thing I can do today to be a more authentic leader and encourage my team to be their true selves?

Find Out More About Bold Kindness

If you'd like to learn more about authenticity in the workplace, check out Cathy Thorpe's book, Bold Kindness: A Caring, More Compassionate Way to Lead.