Authenticity is a Double-Edged Sword

Be yourself. Be true to yourself. Bring your whole self to work. In the age of authenticity, this is common advice. But evidence shows that when we express ourselves in the wrong way or at the wrong time, it can backfire.

Today’s episode of WorkLife is about effective authenticity. You can listen here and discuss below. Highlights:

Authenticity without boundaries is careless. When we’re vulnerable with our emotions, we should make sure we don’t open up in a way that casts doubt on our competence. Economist Mohamed El-Erian faced this dilemma when he arrived at a dinner to deliver a speech and found out that the audience had thrown food at the last speaker.

Authenticity without status is risky. Before we challenge organizational culture, it helps to demonstrate our loyalty first. CIA analyst Carmen Medina learned that lesson the hard way when she rebelled against the intelligence orthodoxy.

Authenticity without empathy is selfish. Sure, we should be true to our values, but we might want to consider others’ values too. After being blunt with her opinions got her in trouble, journalist Leah Finnegan decided to focus less on being herself—and more on showing concern for others.

Authenticity is more complicated for members of non-dominant groups. People who aren’t in the majority face more pressure to conform. Journalist Alicia Menendez describes the problems that arise when other people push you to fit their idea of your authentic self.

You don't have to be who you've always been. Authenticity expert Herminia Ibarra finds that authenticity is not a fixed trait—we can try on new selves and evolve our identities. New selves might not feel comfortable right away, but doesn’t mean they’re not genuine; they might just be unfamiliar.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

(1) How do you decide which of your opinions to share at work?

(2) During a crisis, when should leaders share their fears and concerns openly—and when should they strive to appear calm and collected?

(3) When your ideas don’t conform to the norm in your organization, what have you learned about speaking up without getting silenced?

(4) In your career, what new identities have you tried on, and how have they become part of you over time?

New episodes of WorkLife with Adam Grant come out every Tuesday this spring. Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or on your favorite podcast player.