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.