Additional thoughts, not focused on leaders specifically but speaking more generally: for some people, conforming to a traditional work environment requires such a deviation from who they truly are, or the suppression of so much of who they are, that it’s essentially a complete denial of who they are and they may as well be pretending they’re someone else. If doing this day after day sucks the life out of someone to the point of physical illness or chronic depression, obviously they need to assess whether it’s worth it. On the other hand, that warning about “quirky, highly intelligent, and highly unemployed” isn't a joke (as I recall individuals I’ve known with brilliant minds, amazing hearts, and incredible creative/artistic gifts who wound up in very unfortunate situations.) Hence another good reason to know oneself; if fitting into a traditional environment seems out of the question, it’s a good idea to have an alternative plan that goes beyond merely “I just need to be me!” and actually entails a viable plan for survival based on one’s needs and priorities.
Really appreciate the time and work that went into this piece, it gave me plenty to reflect on.
I hope my wording didn't come across the wrong way. Just to clarify, I wasn't suggesting the authors meant it as a joke, my thought was more along the lines of "I'm glad the authors pointed that out, that warning was spot on."
What an interesting and challenging post, a lot to consider and reflect on (after laughing.)
1. Great clarification of what authenticity is/isn’t, great selection of related quotes., and great (honest) review of consequences when your authentic self doesn’t correspond to accepted norms and conventions and you choose to flaunt this in a traditional environment.
2. Many more people live alone now than 40 years ago, with fewer close friends. They’re lonelier, with less emotional support and engagement, so less opportunity to bring/expose their whole self to others outside work. It’s interesting that alongside those social shifts, there’s been this corresponding shift to make the workplace more personal, as if trying to position the workplace as a substitute for what used to take place in the private domain. But as you point out, the legitimacy/sincerity of this new positioning is questionable, given the potential harm if one truly buys into it.
3. Re: interacting differently with your staff group vs. your peer group, I think this is especially challenging when someone gets promoted and must change how they interact with former peers they’re now leading. Definitely a situation where specific leadership training seems beneficial.
I credit the humour to Anna, she has a way with words for sure. I love how you connected content you wrote about with this article. It’s interesting to see ideas from various vantage points and you always add so much to the conversation. Thank you
Thank you Anna & Neil for this post. I had to let this one simmer for a while before responding. For my part, I've always viewed the many definitions of authentic leadership as opportunities to learn, as each one offered a new perspective on a theme. However, my takeaway -similar to your conclusion in the last 3 paragraphs - is that they all boil down to one overarching message; utilize introspection to become your truest and best self. Then you can turn around & help others in your organization do the same with their people. For me, that is what authentic leadership is all about. That said, my personal favourite has always been servant leadership. 😉
Additional thoughts, not focused on leaders specifically but speaking more generally: for some people, conforming to a traditional work environment requires such a deviation from who they truly are, or the suppression of so much of who they are, that it’s essentially a complete denial of who they are and they may as well be pretending they’re someone else. If doing this day after day sucks the life out of someone to the point of physical illness or chronic depression, obviously they need to assess whether it’s worth it. On the other hand, that warning about “quirky, highly intelligent, and highly unemployed” isn't a joke (as I recall individuals I’ve known with brilliant minds, amazing hearts, and incredible creative/artistic gifts who wound up in very unfortunate situations.) Hence another good reason to know oneself; if fitting into a traditional environment seems out of the question, it’s a good idea to have an alternative plan that goes beyond merely “I just need to be me!” and actually entails a viable plan for survival based on one’s needs and priorities.
Really appreciate the time and work that went into this piece, it gave me plenty to reflect on.
It was not written as a joke but as a reflection of lived experience. I'm glad it struck a note!
I hope my wording didn't come across the wrong way. Just to clarify, I wasn't suggesting the authors meant it as a joke, my thought was more along the lines of "I'm glad the authors pointed that out, that warning was spot on."
That is EXACTLY what I understood my dear, and I appreciate you picking up a thread that few have the perception to unravel.
What an interesting and challenging post, a lot to consider and reflect on (after laughing.)
1. Great clarification of what authenticity is/isn’t, great selection of related quotes., and great (honest) review of consequences when your authentic self doesn’t correspond to accepted norms and conventions and you choose to flaunt this in a traditional environment.
2. Many more people live alone now than 40 years ago, with fewer close friends. They’re lonelier, with less emotional support and engagement, so less opportunity to bring/expose their whole self to others outside work. It’s interesting that alongside those social shifts, there’s been this corresponding shift to make the workplace more personal, as if trying to position the workplace as a substitute for what used to take place in the private domain. But as you point out, the legitimacy/sincerity of this new positioning is questionable, given the potential harm if one truly buys into it.
3. Re: interacting differently with your staff group vs. your peer group, I think this is especially challenging when someone gets promoted and must change how they interact with former peers they’re now leading. Definitely a situation where specific leadership training seems beneficial.
I credit the humour to Anna, she has a way with words for sure. I love how you connected content you wrote about with this article. It’s interesting to see ideas from various vantage points and you always add so much to the conversation. Thank you
"Challenging times are coming..." - said any leader for the past 8,000 years.
I started a Toastmasters speech with that. Great article.
Thank you Anna & Neil for this post. I had to let this one simmer for a while before responding. For my part, I've always viewed the many definitions of authentic leadership as opportunities to learn, as each one offered a new perspective on a theme. However, my takeaway -similar to your conclusion in the last 3 paragraphs - is that they all boil down to one overarching message; utilize introspection to become your truest and best self. Then you can turn around & help others in your organization do the same with their people. For me, that is what authentic leadership is all about. That said, my personal favourite has always been servant leadership. 😉