Navigating Authenticity: Risks and Rewards of Being Your True Self in Any Environment
With some of the BVI Impact catalysts - The Baths, Virgin Gorda
Do you find yourself shifting your personality depending on where you are? What about in your current work environment? Do you have a “work-self” and a “home-self”?
What are the risks and the benefits of bringing our true selves to work?
There’s no easy answer to this question—there’s not just one way to look at it. We have to consider the shared perceptions of what is acceptable and unacceptable in the workplace and what it might cost us if we don’t align with those norms. Navigating these cultural expectations varies depending on the environment, whether it’s a creative agency, a corporate office, a government organization, or a small business.
A few months ago, I had the privilege of joining this empowered group of entrepreneurs and visionary leaders in the British Virgin Islands. I found it easy to be myself and focus all of my energy on them. It was effortless to be curious because they are all fully engaged in projects that positively impact the world around us.
This is a great barometer for me in going forward. When I’m having fun and have my attention on making a difference in the world my authentic way of being shows up naturally. I don’t have to question, “What’s the appropriate way to be?” My attention is not even on myself. It is on the project and the people who are coming together to create a positive ripple effect wherever we are.
Regardless of where you work, we all hold beliefs about what we can and cannot say or do. But it’s worth asking: How much of this is truly set in stone, and how much is shaped by our own perceptions?
A conversation about authenticity often means examining where we might be adding to the concern—or subtracting from the freedom. With awareness, we can begin to take accountability for our limited perspectives and the judgments we hold, many of which are shaped by beliefs we’ve developed over our lifetime.
One common reason people hold back from being their true selves is fear of judgment. As much as I’d like to say I no longer worry about this, the reality is it’s a journey of letting go of something beyond our control. A wise coach once told me, “What people think of you is none of your business. That’s their business. You actually have no control over it. What you can focus on is how you see others and how you see yourself.”
In our coaching sessions and offsite events, we often discuss the unspoken impact we have on each other while working toward shared goals. Authenticity isn’t about adjusting who we are to avoid negative impact—that’s unsustainable and, quite frankly, exhausting. Instead, it’s about showing up as our true selves and observing the effects.
Authenticity opens the door to closeness with others. The only way to find out is to take the risk of standing out and revealing your unique self. Yes, this might mean not everyone will like you, but for me, the benefits far outweigh the risks and lead to a more fulfilling life.
At our firm, we believe there’s value in asking questions—not just seeking the “right” answer. What if there is no right answer? What if the real benefit lies in asking ourselves powerful questions, such as:
What does my authentic self look like?
How can I bring more of my authentic self to work, my neighborhood, my community, and my family today?
What keeps me from feeling comfortable about being myself?
What does it cost me to hold back my authentic self?
What justifications have I created to stay small and play it safe?
What risks would I take by being real with others?
What benefits might I gain from taking those risks?
What support do I need to be courageously open to life and share my true self with others?
All my best,
Fundamental of the Week #6: CREATE A SAFE ENVIRONMENT
Both physical and emotional safety are important. Safety means it's okay to speak up or try new ideas without fear of blame; Innovation thrives in a safe environment.
Momentum Consulting offers executive business coaching, top-level executive consulting, team training, and team off-sites to build and transform your business to the next level. Inquire about business consulting and leadership coaching today.
