What Is Strategic Authenticity Vs. Authenticity?
Photo by Christina @ wocintechchat.com on Unsplash
For the past year, we have explored and connected on the challenges and demands we face in the workplace, identifying ways to transform obstacles into opportunities and honor the wealth of global knowledge that we carry. We investigate what human connection is beyond barriers, working to highlight ways we need to overcome external blockages but also the barriers that lie within ourselves, to connect with others more deeply, both at work and at home.
This month, we delve even further to discuss the topic of Strategic Authenticity and what it means to be authentic to ourselves in our global working environments.
The dictionary says "Authentic" means to prove that something is real, true, or genuine. In reflecting on what this definition means in the context of our own authenticity, especially in the workplace, many questions pop up. Do we share a real, true, or genuine reflection of who we are always? As an executive leader, you may wonder - can or should I share my insecurities on a professional site or at a formal gathering? Is there a professional approach to authenticity that does not involve "faking it"? How can I own my authenticity and still feel genuine? What are the layers that inform what authenticity means to me?
What I have come to understand in my work with executive leaders is that our identities are not fixed, we adapt to our environments. However, one can’t be authentic all the time to the point of offending a different culture. And yet, one can get away with a little bit more than someone who is only an insider to that culture. I talk to my clients daily about this balance.
When I discussed this recently at an executive roundtable, I asked everyone four different questions:
⦿ What does authenticity mean to you?
⦿ What’s the difference between authenticity and strategic authenticity?
⦿ What are the strengths and challenges of being authentic as an international / foreign leader?
⦿ Can you assimilate while being authentic?
Their response was incredibly insightful and I’m happy to share more with you here.
One woman noted that authenticity means “bringing your true self” which took her a while to find, along with her authentic self in leadership. Having worked in predominantly male environments, she now finds she is connecting and inspiring younger women. Another woman mentioned that authenticity means that she brings “volume and an ability to connect with new cultures and immigrants. We bring diversity and global perspective and showing up as such.”
When talking about the difference between authenticity and strategic authenticity, many noted that strategy considers targeted goals, perceived perceptions, and external outcomes, while authenticity is more about presenting one’s full self, “showing up and communicating even when you won’t be heard the way you want yet still influencing” and vulnerability, investing one’s time and energy in relationships one wants to cultivate.
In discussing the strengths and challenges of being authentic as an international / foreign leader, some found that being direct wasn’t always well received, along with oversharing and presenting too strong of a personality. They noted they often found themselves to be guarded, passive, or would shut down in these situations. Another participant commented that she used humor to overcome language challenges. Collectively, they noted that their strengths came from their ability to connect with others, the ways they can lead and listen at the same time, and how they focus on paying attention to positive outcomes.
In conclusion, our group discussion helped everyone realize that they are not alone. This is truly a global phenomenon, and it has been a journey for each person in finding their own way. We also noted how the next generation is breaking the mold and dismantling society’s unwritten rules.
We are constantly working to find the equilibrium, to avoid assimilating too much to the point that one’s own unique perspective is not heard anymore.In my work with clients, I have seen that one needs both assimilation and authenticity as we navigate cultural prisms. We adapt on purpose, with intention and awareness. We adapt and assimilate as part of our authentic selves, discovering new parts of ourselves that we may not know existed, as well as embodying new parts of ourselves thanks to connection and discovery. In this way, we are assimilating. We often see assimilation as negative, but I see that there is something positive about it, because it shows that you are learning about yourself and discovering.
I’d love to hear more from you. What are some ways in which you show up authentically in the workplace? Do you attempt to assimilate? Drop me a note to share more.
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Take a moment to reflect on the below.
What’s the difference between authenticity and strategic authenticity?
What are the strengths and challenges of being authentic as an international / foreign professional?
Can you assimilate while being authentic?
I’m always curious to learn more - if you’d like to share your thoughts, please send me a note.