Authenticity in the office

An authentic person is someone who doesn't pretend. Authentic people are themselves and behave in ways that reflect their personality, values and beliefs. Synonyms for authenticity are terms such as authenticity, reliability and credibility.

But how authentic or genuine can and may we be at work? In this blog post we will show you why authenticity is important at work and how you can remain yourself in your everyday work.

Why is authenticity so important in professional life?

1. Improve leadership skills

Especially in a management position, authentic appearance can be the key to more trust and recognition. Do not hide behind a masquerade, but stand confidently in your strengths, but also in your weaknesses and mistakes. This makes it easier for you to bond with your colleagues and employees.

2. Increased self-confidence

Authenticity usually increases self-confidence, which can have positive consequences;

You are more self-confident and dare bigger challenges
You improve your communication
You act as a role model and encourage your colleagues to be more authentic
You will be noticed (more) by your colleagues and superiors, thus increasing your career opportunities

3. Less wasted time

When you let go of all masks, it is much more pleasant to just be yourself. Stay authentic, you don't have to focus on your self-expression. On the other hand, you can focus your attention on the really essential things to achieve your career goals.

How do you become more authentic?

Authenticity is a social skill that doesn't have to be born with. You definitely have the opportunity to learn and train them. Here are some possible approaches.

1. Recognize your values and goals

The step towards more authenticity is to accept yourself as you are. The sooner you make peace with yourself, the more self-confident you can appear to the outside world. Being authentic means not pretending, but defending who you are and what you think.

2. Accept your external perception

In the search for your “true self” it makes a lot of sense to take a closer look at your external perception. To do this, ask colleagues, friends and family members about your strengths and weaknesses, what defines you as a person and what qualities make you unique.

3. Practice honesty

Most people bend in their everyday work more often than they realize. Authentic people, on the other hand, are honest in most situations—with others and with themselves.

Do not avoid any unpleasant situations in the coming days, but deal with them honestly and authentically. Don't hide behind evasive words, rather join in the conversation. This can cost you quite a bit in the beginning. But after each confrontation, you notice how much your self-confidence grows and it becomes easier and easier to be authentic.

And one more thing: authenticity has nothing to do with forgetting the rules of decency and manners. It has its natural limits where the freedom of others is endangered or where behavior simply and simply slips into bad behavior. A sure instinct for the respective situation is therefore always required.