Times are changing, and so are workplaces. There is no longer any hesitation in employees’ minds to share personal or professional concerns with their colleagues and management. The focus is increasingly shifting to authenticity in the workplace. The importance of being more authentic has touched new levels in the pandemic as people are more transparent with each other, especially at workplaces.
Until a few years ago, leaders and managers firmly believed to be diplomatic to succeed in their careers. Authenticity and being diplomatic are entirely different from each other. When a person is authentic, manipulation and no information management do not arise. Also referred to as “playing the game,” no one works to his advantage anymore.
A Paradigm Shift in Workplaces
Workplaces are fast becoming more authentic, and people are working without being guarded. When employees work with authenticity, they are more committed, loyal, personally invested, and creative in their work.
Importance of Authenticity at The Workplace
Let us understand the significance of authenticity in the workplace:
A Positive Work Culture
When managers and employees are authentic, there is positive work culture. Authenticity helps sync organizational goals and work community connect.
A Sense of Loyalty
When the management is open with their employees, they feel less vulnerable. It creates a sense of loyalty to the company and its aim. It helps the companies retain and attract talented people who give their best to their work.
There is no guardedness, no hiding the differences that make them stand apart. Employees will embrace diversity and differences wholeheartedly.
An Environment Conducive to Growth
An open environment and authenticity at the workplace motivate employees to express who they are. It helps in their personal and organizational growth. Job engagement and satisfaction are high. Their stress levels are low, which keeps them healthy.
Ready to Walk the Extra Mile
Highly engaged and satisfied employees are always ready to walk the extra mile and help the company to strengthen its competitive advantage. Thus, leaders need to be more authentic at work and foster a culture where employees can be their authentic selves at work.
How to Be Authentic at Workplace?
Leaders can be more authentic at the workplace by following the tips below:
1. Keep Your Team in the Loop
The first tip that works well for the leader who wishes to be authentic at the workplace is to share plans with the employees and keep them in the loop. Transparency helps get more buy-in from the employees.
There is no longer any space for corporate secrecy in the world of WikiLeaks, Freedom of Information Acts, and growing dependence on social media platforms. There must be open communication, and the employees must feel confident to share whatever they have in their minds.
2. Be a Good Listener
The leader needs to be a good listener. These days, many organizations plan workshops where they train leaders in the art of active listening. They learn how to make eye contact with the speaker, lean towards him, and utter words like “yes,” but the challenge is to find out if they are listening.
Instead of listening, their mind is often busy making to-do lists, or planning how to approach a deal, and so on. That is fake listening. It is essential to train your mind and share whatever you have heard the other person is saying.
3. Stay Away From the Notion of Perfectionism
Many leaders believe they are the best, and they have got their act together all the time. In reality, no one is perfect. Being a leader doesn’t necessarily mean being perfect or polished.
Sometimes, even when people know in their hearts that they are not perfect, they try to project the perfectionist act. Shedding this image and notion can help leaders to be in more sync with their employees.
4. Admit Your Errors
There must be no shame in admitting errors or mistakes. Leaders need to be very humble and demonstrate humility. Saying sorry for the Inconvenience makes them come across as normal human beings. It will help the employees to trust the person more, not less. Thus, do not shy away from admitting your mistake.
5. Do Not Overshare
While keeping your employees in the loop is essential, it is equally vital to avoid oversharing. Leaders must set some boundaries and shy away from openly sharing something. ‘ Remember, employees are colleagues and close friends or family. Thus, having a filter is important before discussing any employee issue. Moreover, avoid using people working in the company to process your stuff.
Conclusion
Every organization needs to have leaders employees can look up to and emulate. Thus, set high benchmarks by staying authentic at the workplace and earning respect. Work on yourself and become a great leader.
