On Authenticity at Home & at Work

[NNEDV]

In her chapter “Seek and Speak Your Truth,” Sandberg discusses the conflict women often face at work in the expectation of managing a professional self. Sandberg asserts that the idea of having a dual identity inside of work vs. who you are on the weekends is a farce. Instead, she advocates for a more authentic self.

The U.S. Department of Labor apparently agrees with Sandberg – in this blog entry “Coming to Work Fully,” Kathy Martinez applauds organizations, like the DOL, that encourage employees to bring their “whole selves” to the job.

What do you think about the cultural expectation to keep emotions and/or your “whole self” out of the office? Do you think being more open at work actually leads to a more “authentic self?”

[Emily]

I do think that being more open at work actually leads to a more "authentic self" -- it was refreshing to hear that Colin Powell (and the US DOL!) agree.