When Your True Self Shows Up at Work

Have you ever wondered if you can truly be your authentic self at work? That question lies at the heart of our conversation, sparked by a hilarious meme: "I accidentally used my real personality at work today. I'll just take myself to HR."

We dive deep into the tension between authenticity and professionalism, exploring whether self-management means betraying who you are or simply choosing which aspects of yourself to emphasize in different contexts. The truth is, everyone has amazing qualities and challenging ones - the key is learning when to bring each forward.

Self-management isn't about changing your core values or beliefs. It's about recognizing that we all have moments when we want to react impulsively, but choosing responses that align with our long-term goals instead. As we share through personal stories (including a memorable shoe-in-the-ceiling incident and a table-slamming confrontation), those reactive moments can have significant professional consequences.

Leaders face a particular challenge since their emotions ripple throughout the organization. When a leader panics, everyone panics. This doesn't mean suppressing your true self, but rather developing awareness about how your natural tendencies affect others. The higher you rise professionally, the more critical this skill becomes.

Whether you're struggling with a reactive team member or examining your own workplace behavior, this episode offers valuable insights into balancing authenticity with effectiveness. Listen now to discover how you can be your real self at work while still creating the positive impact and relationships you desire.