Embracing Authenticity

Authenticity is a word often bandied around, but do we reflect adequately on what authenticity truly means?

Recognition of ‘authentic’ as the Merriam-Webster Dictionary Word of the Year is a testament to its growing relevance in our societal discourse.

I think it underscores a collective yearning for genuine-ness at a time where superficiality and disingenuousness seems to flourish. We’re tired of airbrushed social media imagery and long for real connection to ourselves and others.

But what does ‘authentic’ truly mean, and why is being genuine such an important foundation of healthy workplace environments?

Understanding Authenticity

At its core, authenticity refers to the quality of being genuine, true to oneself, and transparent in intentions and actions. It’s about aligning our actions with personal values and beliefs, rather than conforming to external pressures or expectations.

Brene Brown says “Authenticity is a collection of choices that we have to make every day. It is about the choice to show up and be real. The choice to be honest. The choice to let our true selves be seen.”

In the context of the workplace, authenticity manifests as us presenting our true selves, sharing ideas openly, and feeling valued for our diversity and unique contributions. It is about elevating above ‘non-judgemental’ to ‘acceptance’ and even higher to ‘appreciation’ of our differences. It is about getting away from binary views of right or wrong to valuing complexity and seeing differences as enriching our teams and workplaces.

Authenticity: The Cornerstone of Psychological Safety

As we know, psychological safety, a term coined by Harvard Business School professor Amy Edmondson, is the belief that one will not be punished or humiliated for speaking up with ideas, questions, concerns, or mistakes. In a psychologically safe workplace, staff feel comfortable being themselves, expressing their thoughts, and taking calculated risks without fear of negative repercussions.

Why is authenticity integral to fostering psychological safety?

Authenticity builds trust amongst our teams. When leaders are authentic, it fosters trust and open communication, setting a tone of honesty and encouraging open dialogue.

Authenticity allows for a diverse range of perspectives and experiences. This inclusivity not only enriches the workplace culture but also drives better decision-making and problem-solving.

Authenticity enhances employee engagement and wellbeing. Employees who feel they can be their authentic selves are more engaged, satisfied, and less likely to experience burnout. They spend less time, less headspace, and less energy self-censoring and pre-occupied with managing how others perceive them.

Authenticity in leadership fosters ethical practices and decision-making. It allows us to question and reflect on the moral and ethical foundations of our work, ensuring that our decisions and directions are aligned with core values and ethical standards.

An authentic workplace naturally encourages continuous learning, personal and professional growth. We all are wired for growth and mastery, yet when we feel unsafe, we avoid being a learner and resist taking the interpersonal risks of learning. Employees feel safe to admit mistakes, seek feedback, and embrace opportunities for development.

What helps us foster more authenticity in our relationships with ourselves and others?

Becoming more authentic involves a journey of self-reflection and awareness. To foster authenticity, both in personal and professional life, here are some reflective questions you might find helpful:

• What are my core values and beliefs? Identifying what you genuinely value and believe in is the foundation of authenticity. Reflect on what principles guide your life and work.
• Do my actions align with my values? Consider if your daily actions and decisions reflect your core values. If there are discrepancies, explore what changes could be made to bring them more in alignment.
• How do I respond to external pressures? Reflect on how external expectations and pressures influence your actions. Are you swayed by them, or do you stay true to your own beliefs and values?
• Am I comfortable showing my true self to others? Assess whether you feel free to express your genuine thoughts and feelings in different settings, especially where you feel psychologically safe.
• What fears or barriers prevent me from being authentic? Understanding the fears or barriers that hinder authenticity (like fear of judgment or rejection) can be the first step in overcoming them.
• How do I handle mistakes and failures? Consider your approach to mistakes – do you acknowledge and learn from them, or try to hide them, shame, or judge yourself? Authenticity involves embracing imperfections.
• Am I open to feedback, even when it’s challenging? Reflect on how you receive feedback, particularly if it’s critical or uncomfortable. Being open to feedback is a sign of authenticity.
• Do I actively listen to others’ perspectives? Consider how well you listen to and value different viewpoints, which is essential for authentic interactions.
• How do I express empathy towards others? Think about your ability to understand and share the feelings of others. Authenticity involves genuine empathy and connection.
• What steps can I take to be more authentic? Finally, based on your reflections, identify specific actions you can take to live more authentically. This could involve setting boundaries, speaking up more, or being more transparent in your communication.

The elevation of ‘authentic’ as the word of the year is more than a linguistic trend; it’s a reflection of a deeper societal shift towards valuing a more genuine and deeper connection.

In the workplace, authenticity is not just a nice-to-have, but a crucial component of a psychologically safe and thriving environment.

Remember, the journey towards authenticity is ongoing and evolves over time. It requires continuous self-reflection, honesty, and a willingness to learn and grow.

I hope you will share with me the steps you take to be more authentic.

Authenticity is a foundational principle of all the programs I offer, including Leadership and Self-Leadership Development, Professional Supervision, and our Thriving Professional Women’s program.

Please reach out if you would like to discuss how you can bring more authenticity into your team or workplace.