Authenticity and Transparency
How often do you change how you act, speak, or dress to fit in better with a specific group? We do it more often than you think. Most of the time, the change is appropriate.
You may be more competitive and aggressive when you’re playing sports on a team. But you’re not so competitive or aggressive when around your family. Or you might use a different vocabulary and attitude speaking with your friends at school than you do if you were stopped by the police. All of the above is natural.
The problem arises when you start trying to be something or someone you’re not. Oftentimes, young people who have low self-esteem find it difficult, to be honest, or transparent - to be comfortable letting people see who they are.
Many young people, because of years of high expectations from others in school, fall into the trap of trying to be something or someone they are not. However, in the workplace, transparency and authenticity are traits that are sought after by employers and hiring managers.
Let People See the Real You
This can sometimes be honest because we might not be comfortable with who we are. While that can be addressed in other MindSage lessons on self-esteem, the focus of this microlesson is not to present yourself as something you are not.
In the workplace, both when working with internal team members or interfacing with clients, your lack of honesty or transparency can irreparably harm your or the company’s reputation.
Authenticity and transparency are key to building trust in the workplace and in life.
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Start now, to notice when you change your behavior drastically. Notice when you say or do things that are not true to who you are. Work on building your self-esteem, self-appreciation, and self-acceptance. You can try to fit in, just don’t lose yourself trying to do so. Always be developing your soft skills, so you’ll be proud of the type of person you are and are becoming.
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Be honest with yourself. Know your strengths and weaknesses, and always be focusing on leveling yourself up. Realize that by always improving, you’ll feel more comfortable being transparent, honest, and authentic. Remember that authenticity builds trust. People can depend on you to be consistent.
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Always be upfront with others in the workplace and in life, even if doing so means they might not like what they hear. Honesty is always appreciated. No one likes an imposter. We have all been around ‘fake’ friends. Authenticity is so valuable today because it is so rare. You can be an HVI (high-value individual) as long as you continue to be authentic and transparent.
Steps for Change
Metacognitive Goal
For the next week, use the metacognitive goal as explained in the video. Also, see if you can identify others who are inauthentic, that is trying to be something they are not. Try to identify people in your life that are honest and very transparent.