Balancing Authenticity and Professionalism in the Workplace
Balancing authenticity and professionalism in the workplace can feel like walking a tightrope. We all want to bring our true selves to work, but we also need to adhere to professional standards and expectations. So how do we strike that perfect balance? Let's dive into this topic and explore how we can be genuine while maintaining our professionalism.
Embracing Authenticity
Being authentic means being true to who you are, your values, and your beliefs. It's about showing up as your genuine self, rather than putting on a façade. Authenticity in the workplace can lead to greater job satisfaction, stronger relationships with colleagues, and overall better performance.
For me, embracing authenticity at work has been a journey. One of my traits is being straight-talking and wearing my heart on my sleeve. I make mistakes and love to be silly, down to earth, and normal. This makes me approachable with my team, but it can get me into trouble when it comes to managing up. Trust me, I’ve got it wrong quite a few times! That's when I feel I have to be a bit more polished and less silly. However, what I’ve learnt is I can still inject a little humour and lightheartedness into every interaction. If I haven't laughed out loud at least three times a day, it’s not been a good day. Finding this balance has been crucial for my professional growth.
The Importance of Professionalism
While authenticity is crucial, professionalism remains key in the workplace. Professionalism involves adhering to workplace norms, demonstrating respect, and maintaining a certain level of decorum. It's about ensuring that our authentic selves align with the expectations of our professional environment.
“That sounds great Jo, but how do I bring my full self to work?”
Know Your Boundaries: Understand the norms and expectations of your workplace. Be authentic, but avoid sharing overly personal details that might not be appropriate for a professional setting!
Communicate Effectively: Practice clear and respectful communication. Share your thoughts and opinions honestly, but always with a tone of respect and professionalism.
Embrace Vulnerability: Don’t be afraid to show vulnerability. Admitting mistakes or uncertainties can build trust and make you more relatable. Just ensure that you also demonstrate a willingness to learn and grow from these experiences.
Align with Your Values: Ensure that your professional actions reflect your personal values. Misalignment between personal values and company values can cause significant stress and hinder authentic self-expression. Helping my clients realise this has often been the first step towards reducing their work anxiety.
Seek Feedback: Regularly ask for feedback from colleagues and bosses. This will help you understand how your authenticity is perceived and whether you need to adjust your approach.
Lead by Example: If you're in a leadership position, model the balance of authenticity and professionalism. Encourage your team to be genuine while maintaining a professional demeanor.
Push the Boundaries: Don’t feel the need to be ultra-professional all the time. Find moments where you can inject a bit of fun and light-heartedness. Clients often say I'm fun to work with, which helps strike the balance between delivering professional work and providing an enjoyable experience.
Conclusion
Balancing authenticity and professionalism is an ongoing process. It requires self-awareness, open communication, and a willingness to adapt. By being true to ourselves and respecting the professional environment, we can create a workplace where authenticity and professionalism coexist harmoniously.
What are your thoughts on balancing authenticity and professionalism at work? Have you found it challenging or rewarding?
If you want to delve deeper into this topic and many others related to building confidence and reducing work anxiety, check out my 30-day confidence course. Let’s embark on this journey together!