Can we be too authentic?

Welcome back to this week’s episode where I talk to authenticity and how it can hinder our success if we define it too rigidly.

I draw on the work of Herminia Ibarra [The Authenticity Paradox] who raises the issue that people can in fact be too authentic.

I talk about the benefits of expanding our definition of authenticity, how taking a more expansive look at authenticity enables us to think about our identity in a more playful way and leads to greater effectiveness.

I ask “what has enabled you to get to where you are today and what is required of you to get to where you want to go in the future?” Do you need to introduce new ways of behaving, new traits, new characteristics to adopt an identity that will enable you to move to the next level.

This is not about jeopardising our values rather being creative in trying new ways of working, new selves and new behaviours to get new results and greater fulfillment.

We cannot think our way into a new identity. We must act our way into a new identity. And it’s that action that can very often feel uncomfortable.

As always thank you for listening. Is there an insight that has resonated with you here? If so, please do share on social media with the #couragetobepodcast