How To Show Up As Your Authentic Self At Work And Still Kick Ass

Article by Roxanne Hobbs

Authenticity is one of those buzz words on everybody’s lips at the moment and I sometimes wonder if we’re all talking about the same thing.  I once went to a conference where people were encouraged to be ‘authentic – but not too authentic’, and I left feeling confused as to what we were actually encouraging people to do.

Ultimately authenticity is NOT about blurting the first thing on your mind.  We all censor what comes out of our mouths (some more so than others).  It is entirely appropriate to sometimes self-censor in a given situation.  It would not always be appropriate to walk in to your boss’s office and tell her the intimate details of last night’s date, or exactly what you thought about her dancing at the last Christmas party.  (Then again, I guess it depends on your relationship with your boss…).

The point is, authenticity is a bit more nuanced than that. And if you can crack showing up authentically in the workplace, you can totally kick ass.

Having The Courage To Be Vulnerable….

I use Brené Brown’s definition of authenticity which is that it is about having the courage to be vulnerable, to be imperfect and to set boundaries.  Let’s break that down a little further.

Many people think we can’t be vulnerable in the workplace but the most kick ass leaders out there are comfortable with vulnerability.  Vulnerability is about uncertainty, risk and emotional exposure.

Vulnerable leaders lean in to uncertainty, are willing to take risks for the sake of moving their teams forward and aren’t afraid to show their people that they are human and therefore have emotions such as fear and disappointment too.  Ultimately, by having the courage to be vulnerable, these leaders drive connection with the people around them.

Embrace Imperfection

They also aren’t afraid to be imperfect. Here’s the thing – we are all wonderful, messy and imperfect beings. That’s the nature of being human.  Anyone who pretends otherwise is not being authentic – they are pretending.  You can be a kick ass leader by acknowledging your own imperfection, firstly, and also in how you deal with other people’s imperfections.

In our team, we call out each other’s mistakes but we remind ourselves and each other that we are human, and therefore imperfect, and also are doing the best that we can.

We don’t blame or judge, instead we look to hold people accountable (they have to clear up their mess) and we offer further support if required.  This isn’t about being a push over – if someone is consistently making a mistake and we hold the belief they are doing the best they can, then action needs to be taken. They may be in the wrong role, have too much work on or they may require further support or training.

Boundary Setting

Boundary setting is where authentic leaders come in to their own.  They make sure the people around them know what is ok and what isn’t ok. If people don’t know what’s ok, there is a culture in which people can ask for clarification. If boundaries are crossed, you’ll be damn right that this will get called out.  There’s no point in having boundaries if they aren’t reinforced.

Ultimately authenticity in the workplace is hard.  It is far easier to put your armour on and show up as your work persona.  But then your workplace would never get to see the gifts that you uniquely have to offer.  And I’m certain that you have a lot to offer.

Showing up authentically – by being vulnerable, imperfect and ‘boundaried’ – is absolutely how to bring your unique gifts in to the workplace and kick ass.

Contact Roxanne

On a mission to transform the workplace via inclusivity 

Roxanne Hobbs CPCC ACC DWF

Follow me: @roxanne_hobbs

Call me: 07795 110732

Email me: roxanne@thehobbsconsultancy.com

Find out more: www.thehobbsconsultancy.com