While many people show up authentically in their personal lives, many also hold themselves back in the workplace. Given the hierarchical and power over dynamics in most workplaces, it makes sense to not be authentic in the workplace so one can feel more mentally or emotionally safe and protected.
I want to understand the relationship between achievement and authenticity and what makes some high achievers authentic? I want to learn about the secrets to being authentic and effective in the workplace. For this research project I interviewed the 8 most authentic leaders that I either personally worked with or referred to by other authentic leaders.
You can read the details of the interviews in this 4 part article series, starting here. Each of the questions and responses brought out different insights and here is the Cliff note version of this interview project.
These are the 6 things I learned about authentic high achievers:
1.There are key defining moment(s) in one’s life that shaped who they are and their choice to be authentic. Childhood events and upbringing have an impact on personal and professional authenticity.
2. High achievers are motivated by a combination of internal and external factors. Interviewed high achievers who are women or minorities tend to include various elements of external motivation more than those who are men and Caucasian, who tend to attribute achievement to internal motivations and innate circumstances.
For example the differences in socioeconomic upbringings, lack of access to money and resources, and privilege were often cited as the first few external motivations for women and minorities. The interviewed Caucasian men tend to not cite such external motivations for achievement.
3. The traits that drive consistent long term success in authentic high achiever consists of a deep knowing of themselves and the ability to cultivate different relationshipsthat drives success.
4. Not all high achievers started out authentic in the workplace. For some high achievers, showing up in the workplace authentically is innate, for others it had to be cultivated.
5. While personal and professional authenticity are correlated for many interviewees, for a few it is easier to be authentic at the workplace given the nature of the relationship – not as long term and goal oriented
6. Authenticity is the key to their consistent high achievement.While one can get ahead by being inauthentic or a jerk, authenticity allows for more long term success and ease. This means less personal contortion, workplace conflict, and burnout because their inside and outside are matching. This develops more trust with people who interact with them – clients or coworkers.
So there you have it: insights on what makes certain high achievers authentic in the workplace, where that authenticity comes from, and how authenticity is actually the fuel behind their long term success and consistent high achievement.
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Hi, I am Nancy Li – a coach, speaker, trainer, and facilitator for driven professionals and organizations who struggle to be authentic in the workplace and want more connection and effectiveness in their life.
I am passionate about helping emerging leaders step into their own authenticity. I believe and know that authenticity is their superpower to inspire, motivate, and lead themselves and others. When people know that what they see is what they get AND they trust what they get, then they are more willing to follow or collaborate.
If you are a leader undergoing a transition (whether it is stepping into a promotion or a new dream job) and feel insecure in this new role then reach out to me. Maybe you feel like you have to “act like a boss” or that you have a form of imposter syndrome. You’re tired of “faking it till you make it” because you started questioning: what is fake and what is real?!
I truly believe that authenticity is your superpower and I want to help you step into your authentic leadership.
Message me for a no strings attached 30 minute conversation to explore if we can work together to help you lead with authenticity.