Bring yourself to work all of the time
You spend a lot of time at work so it’s really important that you unleash your full-self!
There are 168 hours in a week and if you’re working at least 40 of them, that’s a hefty chunk of time to just ‘fit in’ with the crowd!
“Leaders: share your story, your hardships, your mistakes and put yourself in a vulnerable position. It will create an open and honest community of employees.”
After working in the corporate world for 3+ years, I realised that I wasn’t revealing my somewhat crazy full-self. We’ve all been there, the what-if questions start to flood your brain and then you tame yourself to just ‘fit in’; that’s much easier than challenging something you don’t agree with, letting your creative flare emerge or speaking up about your innovative ideas to make positive change.
In a world where titles sometimes define who we are, how we think and what we say, I can completely understand why it’s hard to bring your full-self to work. The corporate world can be resistant to change and by the time you get your idea approved, there’s probably something new to get your teeth stuck into.
In my opinion, if I can’t be myself at work, I can’t work there - it’s as simple as that.
The impact - what happens when you bring your full-self to work?
You will feel more content and satisfied
Have you ever had the post-office sigh of relief? Finally, I can relax and be myself. I’m sure most of us have, right? If you hide your true qualities, you will not only inhibit yourself from reaching your full potential, but you will also feel less content and satisfied in and outside of work. Knowing how to unleash your full-self will massively contribute to your mental fitness.
You will be more productive and efficient
I find that when I am my full-self at work, I work, think and communicate more effectively. I believe this would stand true for the majority of people. We all do things differently and provide unique perspectives, which is something that employers should encourage and applaud.
Work feels less like work and more like FUN!
When you’re hiding your true-self, you will have less FUN. Work does not need to be boring, but if you’re not integral with yourself, you will also be hitting below your line of true satisfaction and this will slowly eat away at you. You are not limited to your job description so if you feel that there is a missing piece, search, discover and explore yourself until you find it.
Empowering employees to bring their full-self to work…
Train managers to be leaders, not bosses
Managers are the connection between the lower and higher tiers of any company, especially large organisations. Managers need to be leaders, not bosses and thus, coaching, mentoring, guiding and supporting their team to squeeze the best out of them.
Create a coaching culture
A coaching culture will encourage employees to be more creative, innovative and ultimately, themselves. An environment that is free of judgement and where employees are encouraged to ask questions, learn new skills and take accountability for their work is very powerful.
Be human, even at the top
Do you ever wonder how some of the greatest leaders got to where they are? I can guarantee one fact: it was not a simple and smooth climb to the top. Leaders: share your story, your hardships, your mistakes and put yourself in a vulnerable position. It will create an open and honest community of employees.
“In my opinion, if I can’t be myself at work, I can’t work there - it’s as simple as that.”