How Authenticity Improves Productivity by Cindy Stradling CSP, CPC
As a rising business leader, it can be tempting to come into the workplace every day projecting yourself as the person you think you need to be to be successful. However, in the long run, you’ll find that you’re much more productive if you ditch the persona you think you need, and just come to work as your authentic self. Here are three ways being authentic makes you more productive.
- You will avoid wasting time on doing tasks in a way that is counterintuitive. When we’re trying to be someone we’re not, we may try to be authoritative or conventionally organized in the way we handle our duties. That’s ok if it is your true personality, but if you’re working hard to do things the way you think they should be done, rather than the way that comes natural to you, you’re spinning your wheels. It is important to be organized, even if that doesn’t come naturally, but your methods for reaching productivity and organization can be your own.
- People will respect you. A lot of time is lost in people trying to figure you out, and, in the meantime, being a little wary of you when you aren’t your authentic self. Be you; some people may not like you, but everyone will at least feel comfortable that they know what to expect from you.
- You will be able to operate comfortably. When you aren’t being your authentic self, you often spend time second guessing everything you do. When you operate authentically, you can glide through the day. Sure, you’ll make some mistakes, but you would likely have made even more by not being true to yourself.
If you have trouble presenting your authentic self at work, it likely stems from insecurity. Take the time to examine why you feel that you must project an image that is different from who you really are. If you feel that you lack the skills needed to run your business, work on your skills so that you can be yourself while being confident in your ability to do your job. You might be amazed at how much a little skill improvement can increase your confidence. Change your level of education and skill if needed, but don’t change who you truly are.