#valuesalignment

Is Authenticity Holding You Back?

In the workplace, we hear and speak of showing up authentically quite often. Miriam-Webster describes someone who is authentic as “true to one’s own personality, spirit, character.”

It’s important to show up authentically, not only so others can see you as you are, but so you can be comfortable in your own skin. When you can feel comfortable being yourself, you show up more confidently. Your presence in the room or even in zoom meetings changes in a positive way.

What does showing up authentically mean to you? For me, when I am behaving in a way that is aligned with my values, I feel like I show up authentically. That isn’t all of it, I also feel like I show up authentically when I am willing to take a risk that has the possibility of perhaps me showing up awkwardly or vulnerably and being okay with that. I can honestly tell you that people around you are excellent at determining who is and isn’t being authentic. They may initially give you the benefit of the doubt, but if you are behaving in a way that doesn’t match the words that are coming out of your mouth, they discover quite quickly whether they can trust you. Trust is the bedrock of relationships, and when it gets eroded, it is hard to win that back.

So, when does being authentic hold you back? Recently a client told me her boss wanted her to be more assertive. The boss felt like it would give her more exposure in her career when she was able to present her point of view more confidently. This would also help her get the recognition and the opportunity she desired. She felt that in doing so she wasn’t going to be her authentic self. We talked about whether that was really true. Which of her values was the boss pushing up against that she felt she couldn’t be herself? In our continued conversation, she realized that she wasn’t compromising any of her values. She was being asked to develop a skill that would benefit her in her current job, and her career, even though it made her feel a little uncomfortable.

Authenticity can’t be used as an excuse to be unprofessional, rude, or disrespectful. Being any of those things are inappropriate and may definitely hold you back. However, it has nothing to do with being authentic.

What may hold you back in your career is when you mistake a learning opportunity for compromising who you are because you are a little fearful. In evaluating each situation where authenticity comes up for you, ask yourself, “If I do this, will I be compromising any of my values? Is this about authenticity or is it about fear of not doing it well enough?”

We have all felt like an impostor at times, feeling like we don’t know enough, aren’t smart enough, don’t have enough experience. However, it is through our experience of trying and having a plan to keep practicing that the feeling of imposter recedes. So always be your authentic self and keep the door open for learning opportunities.

Knowing When It’s Time to Say Goodbye to Your Company

This pandemic has brought about many changes in our lives.  In addition to working from home (if you are lucky enough to be able to work from home), people are finding themselves home schooling children, finding creative ways to be entertained, and doing lots of home project.  They are also finding time to reflect because there are fewer outside distractions.  People that I have been working with are asking the question, “Am I in the right job and/or am I in the right company?” Pre-pandemic these questions may have come up, but you might have squashed them a bit because you were “too busy.”  Now is a great opportunity to take the time to consider where you are and where you want to be.

Let’s dive into the question, “Am I at the right company?” Here are some questions to ask yourself:

Do my values align with the company values?

This is an important question and you need to understand what your core values are.  Take a few minutes to think about the 3 or 4 values that drive how you act and behave as you do.  Are they in alignment with the company that you work for?  Is the leadership across the company or organization living those values?  For instance, if openness and transparency are values that the company says it holds, is there a good strategy and practice of sharing and communicating up, down and across the organization?  There should be.

 Does the leadership inspire you to want to do your best work?

 This is very personal because each person is inspired by different things. Is there a vision and mission that provides direction and aligns with the work that you do? I was coaching in a credit card company where people were inspired by the company’s work in providing purchasing power to non-governmental organizations (NGOs) around the globe. Who would have thought that that this is how a credit card company inspired its employees.  What is it that you are looking for in your leadership and are you seeing that?

 Is there still room for your growth and development within the company?

This may or may not mean that you want to climb the ladder, however, most people that I work with want to learn new skills and do work that makes a difference in meeting the objectives of the company. Do you have a manager that supports your efforts to take on new projects, and new skills?  When you take the initiative to innovate or improve, is it recognized and welcomed?  It is important that your manager support your efforts and finds ways to help you grow and develop. If your manager is not doing this, are there other managers in the company who can help you?

During this pandemic I hear people also say perhaps this isn’t the right time to be looking for a job, or I should just be grateful that I have a job.  Gratitude is always important in our lives.  However, if you believe the company that you are working for is not the right company for you, there are steps that you can take to look for that new company without immediately making a move. Build your criteria for the kind of company you want to work for and then do some research on companies that meet your criteria.  Search for people through your network, or on LinkedIn who are part of those companies, and set up a virtual coffee with them or do an informational interview.  Check out Glassdoor to understand what people are saying about your choice of companies.  Talk to your friends and family about companies and organizations they work for and enjoy. Stay connected so when opportunities arise, you are prepared.  Yes, it takes a bit of work, but it is definitely worth the time invested.

Next blog we will discuss “If this is the right company, am I in the right job?”  So, tune in for next week’s blog.