Unmasking Your Work Self: A Guide to Living Authentically in Your Career

For most of us, we will spend more time working than any other facet of life. It would make sense that you’d want to be able to do that as your authentic self. However, more than 3 out of 5 people say they are hiding at least one thing about their identity from their employer . This not only has a harmful impact on the workplace culture, but also creates a mental health toll on the individuals given the cost of switching to resemble a different version of themselves. This cost unfortunatley creates burnout and leads to emotional exhaustion, lower performance, high levels of irritability and feelings of detachment. In short, no one wins when you aren’t able to bring your authentic self to work.

After managing teams at both emerging startups and fortune 500 companies, here are four steps I’ve found to be most helpful to stop the code switching and be your authentic self in any job: 

Rethink to Unleash: Evaluating Your Existing Beliefs

Our journey to authenticity begins with a critical look inward at the beliefs shaping our professional personas. These beliefs, a mix of truths and misconceptions, form invisible barriers to expressing our true selves. It's time to dismantle these walls, brick by brick, belief by belief.

Steps:

Inventory your beliefs: Write down a list of beliefs you hold about yourself in the workplace. Don't hold back—include everything, from "There is a 9 to 5 me and a 5 to 9 me" to "If I work hard, they’ll notice me and promote me."

Question each belief: For each belief, ask yourself, "Is this really true?" and "Where did this belief come from?" Reflect on whether each belief is based on your own experience, someone else's opinions, or societal norms.

Challenge and replace: Identify beliefs that are holding you back. For each, try to come up with a counter-belief that's more empowering. For instance, replace “If I work hard, they’ll notice me and promote me” with “If I work hard and share my story, they will understand me better and we can find new opportunities together.”

Unlock Your Uniqueness: Finding What Truly Makes You Special

Many of us drift into believing that our professional achievements and social media personas define our uniqueness. However, your true value often lies beneath these surface-level accomplishments, in the trials and tribulations you've navigated through life. It's not about the awards on your shelf but about the battles you've fought, the resilience you've shown, and the lessons you've learned. This is your superhero origin story.

Steps: 

Reflect on your journey: Spend a moment reflecting on your life’s challenges and those times when you weren’t sure how you’d make it through. How did you overcome them? 

List your lessons learned: For each challenge, what did it teach you about yourself? These are what make you special.

Find the patterns: Look for the recurring themes in your challenges and lessons. These patterns are the clues to your superpowers.

Craft Your Narrative: The Power of Writing Your Story

Writing your story isn't just about putting words on paper; it's an act of self-discovery and affirmation. By articulating your experiences, challenges, and victories, you give voice to your unique path and strengths. This process not only clarifies who you are but also how you can present your authentic self to the world.

Steps:

Start With Memories: Jot down significant moments in your life, both professionally and personally. These could range from a challenge you overcame, a moment of failure, to a time you learned more about who you are as a person.

Organize Your Thoughts: Arrange these moments chronologically or thematically. Look for a narrative arc in your journey—how have you grown, and what have you learned?

Embrace Vulnerability: Write honestly about your feelings, doubts, and triumphs in these moments. Authenticity shines through vulnerability, connecting your story to others.

Create Different Versions: Craft short and long versions of your story for different contexts—like a quick elevator pitch, a team meeting talk, or a detailed profile on professional networks like LinkedIn.

Amplify Your Voice: Sharing Your Story with the World

The final step in embracing your authentic self at work surrounds sharing your story. This isn't just about speaking up; it's about letting your unique journey resonate with others, creating connections that you may have never imagined, and fostering an environment where authenticity is celebrated. 

Steps:

Start Close to Home: Begin by sharing your story with friends or family members who support you. Notice how it feels to vocalize your journey and adjust based on their feedback.

Expand Your Circle: Gradually share with a broader audience, such as a mentor, a trusted colleague, or a professional group. Each time, take note of the reaction to your story and how the audience feels closer to you after hearing the different aspects of you that resonate with them. 

Use Digital Platforms: Leverage social media and professional networks like LinkedIn to share your story. Write a post, record a short video, or even start a blog. Digital platforms offer a vast audience and the opportunity to inspire others far beyond your immediate circle.

Seek Opportunities to Speak: Look for opportunities to share your story in more formal settings, such as team meetings, conferences, or workshops. Public speaking can amplify your message and inspire others to share their stories too.

Bringing It All Together: Your Journey to Authenticity

As we've explored through these four transformative steps—evaluating your beliefs, uncovering your uniqueness, writing your story, and sharing it with the world—we embark on a profound journey towards authenticity in the workplace. This journey is not just about personal growth; it's about contributing to a culture where everyone feels valued and understood for who they truly are.

Remember, the path to bringing your authentic self to work is ongoing and unique to each individual. It requires courage, self-reflection, and a willingness to be vulnerable. But the rewards—increased connection, improved mental health, and a deeper sense of fulfillment—are immeasurable.

By committing to these steps, you not only enhance your own work experience but also contribute to creating a more inclusive, empathetic, and authentic workplace for all.