Why Bringing Your "Whole Self" to Work Might Not Always Be the Best Approach
Unpopular opinion - You should not bring your whole self to work.
In today's ever-evolving workplace, the concept of bringing your "whole self" to work is a matter of ongoing debate. The idea of bringing your whole self to work suggests that you should embrace your "authentic" self, acknowledging the full spectrum of your personality. This means bringing your interests, hopes, dreams, and fears with you, even if they don't seem directly relevant to your work. But what does this concept truly entail, and does it result in a more productive and inclusive work environment? The answer, it turns out, is far from straightforward.
My perspective? Don’t bring your whole self to work. Maintain a workplace persona and leave the rest at home.
Let's face it - we're all human, with both polished and unpolished facets. Some aspects of our lives are best kept outside of the workplace. Haphazard attempts to encourage employees to reveal their "whole selves" can sometimes lead to unintended consequences. Power dynamics in work relationships aren't always balanced, and displaying vulnerability in certain contexts may not be wise. Additionally, not everyone in the workplace possesses the emotional intelligence required to navigate the intricacies of our "whole selves." It must be emphasized that if you do choose to share personal information, exercise careful discernment.
So, what's the solution? Rather than advocating for the complete abandonment of your "whole self", a more balanced approach is to bring your "whole professional self" to work. This means being authentic within the professional context. It's about embracing your complete professional identity, not pretending to be someone you're not. Maintaining professional boundaries remains crucial for cultivating a harmonious and productive work environment.
What are your insights on achieving the delicate balance between authenticity and professionalism in the workplace? Do you support the idea of bringing your whole self to work, or do you lean towards maintaining a professional persona? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below. #corporatecareers #workculture #leadership #careersuccess #coaching