4 Reasons You Should Never Hide Your Personality in the Workplace
Have
you ever felt the need to put on a "game face" while you're at work? Do
you have to act "manly" or "tough," so that others will respect
you? I know that many women feel that they can't act overly feminine,
in fear that they won't be taken seriously. They think they have to wear
power suits to get noticed as a player in the boardroom.
Putting on an act all the time is exhausting, and it dulls your creative spirit. As a result, you might feel as though you're letting yourself down, or being a fraud.
If
this is you, stop right there. First of all, people can see right
through an act, and think that you are trying too hard. They might think
that you feel insecure, or that you have something to hide. Second,
nobody likes a fake.
Let's discuss ways to be your authentic self at work, and how you can benefit from it.
What is workplace authenticity?
Nobody
is saying that you have to act the same at work as you do when you're
off the clock. Workplace authenticity just means that you are acting in a
way that is representative of who you really are. These include the
things you do show your beliefs and your attitudes.
Know who you are
Who
are you? What keeps you going? What are your goals? What do you believe
in? What are your goals for work? Why do you choose to work where you
do?
It's only when you have the answers to the big
questions that you will be comfortable with yourself. Once you are
comfortable with yourself, you will be more confident in your workplace
and in your life.
Remember that an original is worth more than an imitation
Let's
say there's someone you admire in your workplace. You admire the way
they speak, the way they negotiate and even how they walk and carry
themselves. An imitation is always a weak version of the real thing. You
are better off being yourself, whoever you are, than trying to be
someone else. Nobody does you better than - you guessed it - you.
Everyone is wrong sometimes -- when it's you, fess up
Authentic
leaders are honest and admit it when they have made a mistake. They are
quick to apologize when they are wrong and then put all their energy
into rectifying the situation. They know that everyone makes mistakes and that those lessons are valuable.
Then,
they make sure that they don't make the same mistake twice. When
leaders admit to their errors, it sets a good example for others to do
the same.
An honest workplace is an effective workplace
When
you are honest with yourself and others, others will be encouraged to
be more open too. Honesty is contagious! It also breeds kindness among
coworkers, as well as understanding and tolerance. What will this mean
for your workplace?
That means that in the long run,
your team at work will be more effective because you will all be more
honest with all your personal and professional needs, goals and
struggles. It will make your workplace a far more pleasant place to be.
Authentic leaders are more successful.
Those who are
their authentic selves at work really shine, and they are happier and
more productive. Think about it, you were probably hired because of the
qualities that are unique to you, and those things make you a vital part
of the team.
SOURCE:www.inc.com
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