What does it mean to “just be yourself”?

Have you ever been told "just be yourself"? It's a phrase we often hear, especially in discussions around building authentic leadership. But is it really the best advice? What does authenticity truly mean in a world where we strive to be accepted deeply for who we are, regardless of our differences? These questions have been lingering in my mind lately, leaving me with a sense of hope, but not certainty.

As the renowned researcher Brené Brown once said, "Authenticity is a collection of choices that we have to make every day. It's about the choice to show up and be real. The choice to be honest. The choice to let our true selves be seen." While Brown's words resonate deeply, they also evoke a sense of challenge. How easy is it for us to consistently make those choices in the workplace?

There are several reasons why individuals may hesitate to be their authentic selves at all times. One factor is the expectation of different roles and organizations. Does "just be yourself" carry the same meaning for a CEO, a leader of multiple teams, or an individual contributor? Each position may have varying standards and expectations, causing individuals to question how much of their authentic selves they can reveal.

Additionally, cultural norms and the desire to fit into the existing organizational culture play a significant role. We often find ourselves conforming to certain standards to avoid judgment or exclusion. However, in doing so, we may be stifling our true potential and limiting the diversity of ideas and perspectives within the workplace.

Our inherent biases, both conscious and unconscious, impact our decision-making processes. Even when committed to deepening our understanding of diversity, equity and inclusion, must make a conscious effort to prevent bias from influencing our choices. It's a continuous journey of self-reflection and growth.

Despite these challenges, there are compelling benefits to embracing authenticity in the workplace. When I began to share more personal experiences, vulnerabilities, and imperfections with my team in Austria, I was pleasantly surprised by the touching feedback I received in return. It strengthened our connection and fostered a sense of trust and support among us. By being authentic, I was able to cultivate an environment where individuals felt comfortable bringing their whole selves to work.

Recently, a bit more stressed than usual, I had one team member ask me if, after 3 years she was finally seeing my true self – was the calm, thoughtful person I had been a front and the slightly more impatient and directive persona she had seen show up in recent weeks been hiding all this time.? I assured her that the second “me” was simply version of me low on energy.? The one she normally sees is simply the better me.?? Don’t we all have many sides of our personality?? Is it inauthentic to show up as the best version of yourself??

I must admit that I approach authenticity with thoughtfulness. As I progress in my career, I sometimes find myself being asked to behave differently or to speak up less. There seems to be a certain mould that leaders are expected to fit into, and I'm not sure if I've ever fully conformed to it. Perhaps no one truly feels like they fit perfectly into that mould?

So, what is the way forward? It starts with creating inclusive cultures that value individuals for their unique experiences and contributions. It requires leaders to foster an environment where authenticity is not only encouraged but celebrated in others.? As leaders we can embrace different styles in others and create a safe space for our teams to “just be themselves”.? All of this necessitates ongoing dialogue and reflection to uncover and challenge our biases.?

So, I invite you to ponder these questions: In a world that calls for authentic leadership, what does authenticity truly mean to you? How can we build workplaces that embrace and celebrate the diversity of our best authentic selves?

I’ve been on this journey for many years and I hope we continue on this journey together, championing authenticity as a catalyst for personal growth, organizational success, and a more inclusive world.