Striving for Authenticity in the Workplace
The idea of being authentic has become an overused millennial buzzword. But when it comes to who we are at work, it’s exactly what we should be trying to achieve. Striving for authenticity in the workplace can help support an open-minded work culture while allowing people to embrace their unique attributes and viewpoints.
One of the first duties Vice President Kamala Harris performed in her new role was to swear in three new U.S. Senators – including her replacement. When she reached the part where she read, “to fill the vacancy of former Senator Kamala D. Harris” she laughed. It was such an authentic reaction. Did she think about it beforehand, wondering whether she should mirror the stoic composure of her predecessors, or just embrace the moment when it hit her? We’re glad she did the latter.
Vice President Harris has been the “first woman” or “first person of color” many times in her career. She’s handled that while continuing to express herself authentically with a deep heartfelt laugh, or a pair of sneakers with her power suit is a perfect example of why being yourself on the job is so important.
In a corporate environment, it’s easy to try to blend into the crowd. Entrepreneur John Rohn once said, “you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” He said that in the context of it being important to choose who you surround yourself with. At work, we don’t always get to make that choice – and, for women, that often means we are surrounded by people who are fundamentally different from us. But by trying to conform to those around us women often overlook their own achievements and merits. On the other hand, being authentic each day can help you refocus on your own path.
Bozoma Saint John, Netflix’s CMO, embodies that philosophy. “Bring your whole self to work because, that way, you can bring full ideas and the wholeness of your unique abilities,” she says.
If you are looking to start a practice of authenticity at work, here are two important things to focus on and a few resources to help you on your journey:
Show up as your true self
Daily Practice: More diverse teams drive better results, so we should strive for singularity not uniformity. Consider how you show up to work, and ask yourself: are you trying to fit in, or stand out?
Resource: In this conversation between Saint John and Jessica Honegger on her podcast “Going Scared”, Bozoma talks about workplace authenticity and the experiences that led her to showing up as her whole self at work.
Be Vulnerable.
Daily Practice: Recognize when you avoid asking for help, admitting to mistakes and errors, or suppress your natural emotional reaction to situations. If you allow yourself to be vulnerable in those moments, those around you will feel OK doing so, too.
Resource: This TedTalk with Brene Brown on Embracing Vulnerability is life-changing. It is a must-watch for anyone on an authenticity journey.
Embracing authenticity is not something that happens overnight. If you, like many other women, have experienced imposter syndrome, considering adopting these daily practices. We’re confident you’ll discover new depths of confidence and empowerment.
Kelley Bontemps is the Head of Network Convergence at Carta, currently working and thriving from home in Back Bay. You can follow her on Instagram @thefablifeofkelley.
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