How Much of Your “Authentic Self” Should You Really Bring to Work?

Being yourself is generally considered the best way to cultivate meaningful work relationships, career growth and eventual success. A strong social network is developed as a result of the work relationships that develop, resulting in better job satisfaction.

However, being totally unfiltered and trusting towards your coworkers can ruin your career in weeks, so there is a middle path that needs to be undertaken.

Be human and come across as vulnerable, to form lasting connections.

Being congenial and polite in a business conversation is great, but one has to sound authentic and not simply provide lip service just to be part of the team.

One has to be deliberate if meaningful relationships are to be developed. Paying attention and listening well is the first step to responding well. Following up in a conversation is absolutely critical. Being an active listener makes us form connections faster as our responses have value and substance.

One can be helpful and generous, provided it energizes you, and not exhausts you.

Setting boundaries is important in the workplace, and you are not obligated to be generous, vulnerable and helpful towards everyone.

Also, you are not supposed to blurt out our life story to every coworker you run into.