1000% this. When it comes to work, no one wants your whole, "authentic" self. Be a professional. You're getting paid to do a job. Be you, but be the best version of you. Bring your BEST self to work.
I agree with this. But it also explains why our families often get shortchanged by our work. If we're always giving our very best to our work and there's no place at work for any of our less desirable traits, it's not surprising that our families only see us when we're depleted from putting up that front. Obviously the answer is to do the hard self-work such that our full authentic self is our best self and we show up with it in all aspects of our lives - both work and home. Emphasis on the word *hard* work but very worthwhile.
I love when folks say the quiet part out loud. I appreciate your honesty. Where do you think this concept came from?
I agree 100% with "Bring your BEST self to work," but I don't think that doesn't overlap with being authentic. Just like I don't think professionalism is at odds with authenticity. Nathan Tanner, you seem to imply that "authentic" is incompatible with "best" or "professional." Why? Or have I misunderstood?
Fundamentally we are supposed to deliver value in our professional lives. Certainly my full self is not all about delivering value — let all those insecurities, wants, frustrations, stay home
Absolutely! It's all about balance—bring your authentic self, but also your most polished, professional version. Nathan Tanner
It's about intentionality and navigating that fine line carefully. Over time, we've shifted from being overly "inauthentic" to being overly "authentic", hopefully we are moving toward a middle ground as a standard for good.
Skilled Storyteller | Communications Strategist | Connection-Maker | Neurodiversity and Mental Health Advocate
1dI am not sure where this advice leaves the many many many human beings who spend all day every day masking to fit into a world not designed for them in order to hide the parts that they’ve been led to believe aren’t acceptable or “professional.” Give me a full, authentic human any day of the week and not a carefully presented best version. Some of the strongest connections I’ve forged with people are there because I *have* seen their “not best” parts.