Unfiltered and Non-Judgemental

As the saying goes- We are people who we surround ourselves with...

But "corporates etiquettes" and social constructs means that we are surrounded by 2 completely different set of people. Not only are we surrounded by 2 different set of people, but we ourselves are a shade of one of those two sets of people at different times. One of these sets is their colleagues and corporates connects, and the other- their near and dear ones. Well, either of these 2 sets should not be assumed to be existing for any person- however in this post, we would assume that both sets exist for a given person.

However, there exists a category of people- unaffected by corporate etiquettes and social constructs. They are-who they are- at all times. Unfiltered and non-judgemental. Does it make a difference if I present my business idea in casual wear instead of (Western) Business formals? We often see many Executives and Entrepreneurs turning up in casual wear. However, "starters"(be it corporate employees or budding entrepreneurs) are not appreciated if they do the same. I feel pretty happy when i see casual wears being normalized at workplaces.

Unfiltered and non-judgemental people add great values professionally. But, How?

• Authenticity: When you are unfiltered, you express your thoughts and feelings genuinely without censoring yourself. This allows others to see the real you, promoting authenticity and building deeper connections with people. By being non-judgmental, you create a safe space for others to express themselves authentically as well.
• Effective communication: When you are unfiltered, you convey your ideas and opinions honestly and directly, which can lead to more effective communication. By avoiding excessive filtering or sugar-coating, you increase the chances of being understood and engaging in meaningful conversations.
• Emotional support: Being non-judgmental is crucial when providing emotional support to others. By refraining from passing judgment, you create an environment where people feel comfortable sharing their struggles, fears, and vulnerabilities. This can strengthen relationships and foster a sense of trust and empathy. It is a virtuous cycle and allows us to meaningfully support each other, especially during personally difficult times. Struggles, fears, and vulnerabilities otherwise are some of the main reasons for unhealthy competition at workplaces, people chasing short term goals over what the organization stands for, and reduced productivity- especially when a person's fear/struggle or vulnerability is personal rather than professional.
• Personal growth: Being unfiltered means allowing yourself to explore and express your thoughts, even those that may be uncomfortable or unconventional. By embracing this approach, you can gain a deeper understanding of yourself, challenge your beliefs, and foster personal growth.
• Fostering inclusivity and acceptance: Being non-judgmental is essential for creating an inclusive and accepting society. When we suspend judgment and approach others with an open mind, we cultivate empathy, understanding, and respect for diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences. This promotes harmony, reduces discrimination, and creates an environment where everyone feels valued and heard.

Kindly note that being unfiltered doesn't mean being insensitive or disrespectful. While expressing yourself honestly, you must be careful with how you phrase your words, especially considering the impact of your words on others. Being unfiltered and non-judgmental requires fundamentally practicing empathy, active listening, and a willingness to learn and grow. Empathy is something that cannot be faked.

PS: Simply put- you are always a great support to your friends, help them during their tough times, and keep them in a happy state of mind in life. Just imagine having a strongly connected team - it can also mean greater teamwork, and lower attrition. I have seen several anecdotal evidences of strengthening relationships at work resulting in employees reconsidering their plans to resign.