Learn the benefits of being your authentic self at work and how to overcome covering.
Are you able to be authentic and share your beliefs at work? Or, do you actively and knowingly alter your external stance (on your personal life, on DEI, and other topics) from that of your true beliefs in order to feel accepted by your peers? The behaviors of managers and colleagues can significantly impact your willingness to be honest and open in sharing your views.
When an individual is unable to be authentic in the workplace, they feel a need to “cover”, meaning they feel pressure to downplay their differences in order to feel accepted by their peers. The energy spent covering takes away from job performance ; this “emotional tax” can take a heavy toll on employees, particularly people of color.
Note of caution: Authenticity does not mean saying everything you think. No one’s right to express themselves should come at the cost of disrespecting the identity of another.
Some employees fear exclusion, retaliation, or negative consequences for expressing divergent opinions. Others fear this can happen simply because they hold different values, have a different sexual orientation or gender identity, are from a different race/ethnicity, come from a different background, experience personal challenges, or otherwise live a life that differs from the norm.
Covering in the workplace is common. Three out of four (75 percent) research participants state that they have covered their identity; and, surprisingly, half (50 percent) of straight white male respondents report hiding their authentic selves on the job. The impact is detrimental to individuals and workplaces.
When employees are able to express themselves authentically, their engagement and well-being increases.
Inclusive leadership enables your team to embrace differences, fosters a climate of dialogue and learning, and ensures freedom from negative consequences, criticism, judgment, or emotional tension. It's important to make space for conversations across differences with a focus on learning, not debating.
When leaders communicate their authentic (not performative) support for DEI, this unleashes authentic expression in many different ways.
TED: The Power of Vulnerability
Stanford University: Uncovering Authentic Leadership
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