Last week I wrote about how to uncover your authentic identity at work. The real, honest and truthful version of yourself. This week I want to provide a few more tips on how you and your team can bring this to the workplace more effectively.
1 Create or Find a Workplace That Fits
As a start point, it helps if you work for an organisation or a team that enables you to behave in a way that feels natural. Where you feel at home.
If you’re not sure whether you'll fit in, check out the values of an organisation. This will give you guidance on what’s expected of you. Does this sound like your kind of place? Here are a couple of examples.
Zappo’s, the online shoe retailer, is one of the world’s most celebrated customer service organisations. They’re very explicit about their core values - see below.
One that is particularly striking is number 3. ‘Create Fun and a Little Weirdness’. It’s a real call to action to bring your individuality to the workplace, however strange it might be.
I also love the Atlassian Values. They’re very down to earth and action-oriented. Atlassian is very clear about the company it wants to be. it really encourages authentic behaviour.
The Atlassian Values
If your organisation doesn't have an explicit set of values then it's worth creating them. Make sure they're not boring and they allow space for individuality.
2 Create opportunities for self-expression
Given the time pressure we work under we don’t always get the chance to show our true selves. This is even more difficult when working remotely where there are fewer opportunities for relaxed chit chat.
You need to carve out space for it. For example, at the beginning of meetings, get people to discuss or share something personal about themselves. You'll be amazed at what you discover. You could hold more formal sharing sessions. At my previous Agency, we used to hold ‘show and tell’ sessions. People discussed an interest or passion that was completely unrelated to their work. It was illuminating and fun.
Obviously, choose approaches that work for you. You don’t want this to feel forced.
3 Show Up Consistently
Establishing who you are takes time, so be consistent. Be yourself in every situation. Don’t be a passive presence. Be brave and confident in displaying who you are. Over time people will 'get you'. You'll then feel even more comfortable and vocal in expressing your opinions and your vulnerabilities.
In Summary
Find a place where you feel comfortable being the real you. Check out an organisation’s values or simply observe what they do. Does it sound like your kind of place? Once you’re there, find opportunities to express yourself. If they don’t exist, create them. And finally, make you show up consistently. Be authentic in every situation. You'll gain more confidence in expressing more sides of yourself and people will get to see the real you.
People who bring their authentic selves to the workplace are happier and more successful. Make sure you’re one of them.