How To Be More Authentic And Stop Wearing A Mask At Work
How to Be More Genuine and Stop Pretending
Grow Emotionally
Learning to express your true self leads to profound professional fulfilment and enhanced resilience.
Communicate Authentically
Developing emotional intelligence enables authentic expression, nurturing genuine relationships and self-assurance.
Develop Your Leadership
Harnessing EQ can foster empowerment, transforming your leadership qualities into more decisive actions.Refine your communication skills by learning to harness your emotional intelligence with one of the UK's most acclaimed management training courses.
Why Choose This Training?
More Than Just A Course Of Lectures
What gets in the way of developing and holding on to new communication skills are old habits of thinking and speaking. Even if the advice is very good the reason why it rarely sticks are the mental habits people inevitably revert to, especially under pressure.
Unlearning those old habits and internalising a more effective and lasting approach to communication needs more than a short course of lectures on how to do it.
What Makes This Training Stand Out?
What makes this training stand out is the exceptional support through one-to-one coaching sessions and continuous feedback. Changing behaviour is not an easy task as old habits are hard to break.
With a 40-year track record we can help you cultivate practical skills, and build your confidence to so you can successfully navigate real-world challenges, ensuring lasting behavioural improvements.
Testimonials
Join thousands of participants getting results
"What I love about this course is that I didn't just learn about the topic, this course is about ME. I'm confident I can reliably use my new skills, even when under pressure".
"A lesson for life! The power of effective communication is incredible when one masters the skills "listening with empathy" and "speaking assertively"
Clients We Have Worked With
Well-known companies who have used this course again and again, over many years
Course Summary
Training Objectives
Feeling like you have to wear a mask at work is common. Research shows that being authentic can lead to better job satisfaction. Our training course will guide you on how to be more ‘you’ in the workplace.
- Being real at work makes you happier and helps build trust with others. When you show who you really are, it’s easier to connect and work together.
- Facing your fears is key to dropping the mask. Understanding why you wear masks can help remove them. Start by noticing when you're not being yourself and ask why.
- Emotional intelligence helps in being authentic at work. It guides how to share feelings, set boundaries, and communicate well without fear.
- Showing your true self can make some people react differently. Stay calm, understand their views, and keep standing up for what you believe in using emotional understanding.
- Living authentically takes effort but leads to better mental health, confidence, and working relationships. It shows it's okay to be yourself in different situations at work.
Develop Your Emotional Intelligence
You will learn a set of powerful emotional intelligence communication techniques so that you can manage difficult conversations, handle challenging situations, build relationships and set firm boundaries.
Transferable Skills
The goal of this training is to equip you with the tools you need to build strong, lasting relationships in your professional life, although because these skills are so transferable many clients report vast improvements in their personal relationships as well.
Develop Skills
This is a skills development rather than just a theoretical programme, so the emphasis throughout will be on you taking turn after turn, practising your skills, while receiving feedback and coaching about your effect on others.
Repeated Practice and Feedback
In your coaching sessions you will be helped to practise dealing with the kinds of situation you find challenging, again and again, until you are confident you can do it successfully.
Video Analysis
We'll combine practical, hands-on experience with video replay and analysis and discussion of the principles involved to help you gain both skills and understanding. Special attention is paid to your individual training needs, so you can practise your skills in real-life situations that you have to handle at work.
Sustained Change
That's why as well as your place in a small group, this training includes a generous amount of private and confidential one-to-one coaching sessions online, spread over several months, ensuring an exceptional level of support. This will ensure the changes you make are sustained over a longer period of time and any obstacles are overcome. Choose between online training available worldwide, or in-person face-to-face courses in the UK.
Course Dates and Price
For a list of upcoming course dates (for online coaching and face-to-face training), the locations of the next 3-day public courses in the UK and pricing Click here.
Free Initial Session
This initial coaching session serves as an introduction to the "Skills with People" course, allowing you to understand the course's relevance and effectiveness for your specific needs before committing to it.
Understanding the Masks We Wear
We all wear masks at work, hiding our real selves. It's time to find out why and start living true to who we are.
The truth behind our masks
Masks hide our true selves. We wear them to fit into society or because we think we need to act a certain way at work. They keep us safe from being judged or rejected. Yet, this safety comes with a cost – losing touch with who we really are.
Living authentically means dropping these masks and showing the world our real personality, feelings, and thoughts. It's scary but vital for building trust and gaining self-confidence.
This truth helps us connect better with others and feel more satisfied in our jobs and life overall.
Why do you feel the need to hide your true self and wear masks
We often hide our true selves because we fear rejection and judgment. Society has many rules about what is acceptable, pushing us to wear masks to fit in. This desire stems from not wanting to feel left out or different.
At work, the pressure is even higher. We worry that showing our real thoughts and feelings might hurt our careers or relationships.
Hiding feels safer than facing possible criticism for being authentic. Our minds tell us it's easier to blend in than stand out with our unique traits and ideas. So, we keep up appearances, thinking this will make life smoother, even if it means losing touch with who we really are inside.
The impact of societal norms and expectations when wearing masks
Societal norms and expectations play a big part in why we wear masks at work. Society tells us how we should act, look, and even think. This pressure makes us hide our true selves to fit in.
We worry about being judged or left out if we show a person who we really are.
This fear of not being accepted leads to wearing a mask every day. It's like putting on an act for others so they'll approve of us. But this takes a lot of effort and can make us feel trapped.
Being authentic means dropping these acts and showing our real self, for example, to friends,but societal norms often scare us from doing just that.
The Importance of Authenticity in the Workplace
Being real at work makes everyone trust and connect with you more. It also makes your job more enjoyable, as you can be yourself every day.
Building trust and relationships
Building trust and relationships at work starts with being honest. Speak your truth, even if it feels risky. This shows others you value honesty above just looking good. Trust grows when people see you're genuine, not just saying what they want to hear.
It's about authenticity, showing up as your real self, sharing true feelings and thoughts.
Relationships get stronger when you listen to other person's needs and share yours too. It's a two-way street – give a person respect, get respect. By being authentic, you create a space where everyone feels safe to be themselves.
This kind of environment boosts teamwork and makes work more enjoyable for everyone involved.
Enhancing overall job satisfaction
Trust and relationships set a strong foundation. From there, improving job satisfaction becomes much easier. Being authentic at work makes you happier. You enjoy your job more when you can be yourself.
This leads to better mental health and stronger sense of self-confidence.
You'll tackle tasks with more energy and creativity when satisfied. Plus, this positivity spreads, making the workplace nicer for everyone. Job satisfaction isn't just about being happy; it's key to doing great work each day.
Improving communication and collaboration
As job satisfaction grows, so does the need for better communication and collaboration. Speaking openly and listening well pave the way to strong teamwork. It's about sharing ideas freely, without fear.
This creates a place where everyone feels valued and heard.
To make this happen, everyone must play their part. Being authentic means being real in what you say and do. It helps break down walls between people at work. Good teams become great when they trust each other enough to share not just successes but also fears and doubts.
Identifying and Removing Your Masks
Finding out who you really are and getting rid of your masks can start a great change. Read on to see how this journey unfolds.
Self-reflection and self-awareness
Self-reflection helps us see our true selves. It's like looking in a mirror but for our thoughts and feelings. We think about our actions and why we do them. This can show us the masks we wear without knowing it.
When we understand ourselves better, the process of removing these masks becomes easier.
Being self-aware means noticing our own thoughts and emotions as they happen. It’s paying attention to how we react in different situations at work. This awareness helps us stay true to who we are, even when it feels hard.
By practicing mindfulness, we learn to live more and live authentically, every day, showing courage in being our truest self around others.
Recognising your core fears
After you start looking into yourself, it's time to deal with what scares you the most. This part is about finding out which fears stop you from being your true self at work. These could be the fear of failing, the worry that people won't accept who you really are, or thinking you're not good enough.
It all boils down to figuring out why these fears have so much power over how you act and present yourself.
Once you pinpoint those fears, notice how they influence your thoughts and actions. For example, if fear of rejection makes you hide your true opinions, that's a mask right there. Realising this can be tough but it's a key step in removing those masks for good.
The idea is not to get rid of fear completely – that’s impossible – but to learn how to manage it so it doesn’t control your life at work anymore.
Paying attention to your thoughts and emotions
Moving from recognising your core fears, focus shifts to your thoughts and emotions. It's key for living an authentic life. Notice how you feel at work. Are you often stressed or unhappy? These feelings might hint that you're wearing a mask, not showing your true self.
Listen closely to what goes on in your mind too. Do negative thoughts about yourself pop up during the day? These could be signs you're not being true to who you are. Paying attention helps you understand and change, letting your authentic self-shine through more each day.
The Process of Living Authentically
Living authentically means embracing yourself, the good and the bad. It’s about being real with others at work and showing your true self.
Embracing vulnerability
Embracing vulnerability is about letting go of fears and doubts. It means showing our true selves, even when we are scared. This choice brings us closer to being authentic at work.
By sharing our real thoughts and feelings, we build trust with others.
Letting people see our own vulnerability helps make stronger connections. It also improves how we communicate and work together in the office. So, if you can share more about yourself with your colleagues you might find it makes a big difference in your day-to-day life at work.
Letting go of fears and doubts
Letting go of fears and doubts takes conscious effort. It's about facing what scares us head-on and deciding not to let it define us. Fears often hold us back from being our true selves, especially at work where we might worry about judgement or failure.
To move past these fears, start small - recognise what makes you anxious and question why it has such a grip on you. This self-awareness can be a powerful first step towards reducing the power fear holds over your actions.
Slowly, try to shift your focus away from those negative thoughts that tell you "I can't" or "What if I fail?" Instead, practise mindfulness by staying present in the moment. Keep reminding yourself of your core values and the strength they give you to overcome challenges.
Every time you face a doubt or struggle with courage, it becomes easier. You build self-confidence with each small victory - turning what once seemed impossible into a reality of something manageable.
Practicing self-love and self-acceptance
Practicing self-love and self-acceptance starts with being kind to yourself. Talk to yourself like you would a good friend. This means cutting out harsh criticism and negative talk about your abilities or appearance.
It's all about focusing on your strengths, not the bits you're not so happy with. Recognising that everyone has flaws -- and that's okay -- is a big step toward living authentically.
Self-acceptance helps you embrace who you are, without feeling the need to hide behind masks at work. You start to feel more comfortable showing your true colours. And guess what? This genuine version of yourself builds stronger connections with co-workers.
They see the real you, creating a deeper sense of trust and teamwork.. Now onto using emotional intelligence as a tool for authenticity at work.
Tips for Being Your Authentic Self at Work using Emotional Intelligence
Using emotional intelligence at work helps you be real and honest. It guides how to listen, share, and stay true without fear.
Honesty and open communication
Honesty and open communication at work mean you express your true thoughts and feelings. You do this in a kind way so that others can understand you better. Talking openly helps build trust with your co-workers.
It makes everyone feel more comfortable to share their ideas.
Being honest doesn't mean you have to say everything on your mind, though. It's about choosing the right moments to share your thoughts. This leads to better teamwork and helps solve problems faster.
Plus, it makes the workplace happier for everyone.
On this training course we can show you exactly how to go about it safely.
Setting boundaries and saying no
Setting boundaries and saying no is key to being your authentic self at work. It's about knowing what you can handle and speaking up. This means if a task doesn't fit with your values or it's too much, you have the right to say no.
Doing this shows others your true limits and helps keep your mental health in check.
It also leads to better job satisfaction since you're not overworking yourself. Plus, it earns respect from co-workers who see that you value yourself enough to set limits. So, practice mindfulness by saying no when needed and create a work life that reflects your real self without fear or guilt.
Being true to your core values
Being true to your core values means staying honest and real. It's about knowing what matters most to you and not swaying from it, even when work gets tough. This honesty helps build trust with co-workers.
They see the real you - strengths, struggles, and all.
Living by your values also boosts your self-confidence at work. You feel solid because you're not pretending to be someone else. It shapes a strong sense of self that others respect.
This approach encourages everyone to bring their authentic selves forward, making for a more open and connected workplace.
Embracing your unique strengths and talents
You have special skills and things you're really good at. Use them at work to stand out and feel more like yourself. Think about what you love doing and what you're great at. This could be anything, from being really good with numbers to being able to make people laugh.
Let these talents shine in your career andday-to-day tasks. It makes work more fun for you and can inspire others too.
Dealing with the Reactions of Others using Emotional Intelligence
Facing people's reactions with emotional intelligence means staying calm and understanding. It's about listening, sharing your views kindly, and setting clear limits with others.
Overcoming fear of judgment and rejection
Overcoming fear of judgment and rejection starts with accepting yourself. You might worry what others think at work. But here's the thing - their views do not define your worth. By focusing on self-love and self-confidence, you create a shield against negative opinions.
Yes, someone may not agree with you all the time, for example, but that’s okay! What matters is how true you are to yourself.
Facing criticism or rejection isn't easy but look at it as a chance to grow. Use emotional intelligence to understand where these fears come from and tackle them head-on. Be honest about who you are and stand by your beliefs and values bravely.
This way, even in tough times, you'll find strength in being authentic - making work life more fulfilling and free from the weight of masks.
Communicating your boundaries
After you overcome the fear of judgment and rejection, it's time to communicate your boundaries clearly. This step is key for standing up for yourself at work. Say what you accept and what you don't in a calm way.
You don't have to say yes to everything. It's okay to say no if something doesn't fit with your values or workload.
Talk about your needs in a positive way without making others feel bad. This helps co-workers know how to treat you well. Over time, clear communication builds respect among team members.
It shows everyone that being true to oneself can lead us all to better work together.
Educating others about the importance of authenticity
Teaching others about what authenticity means helps build a better work environment. Explaining why being real is key can make co-workers understand each other more. It's about sharing stories and examples of how honesty improves teamwork and trust.
This way, everyone sees the big picture.
Showing your true self encourages others to do the same. Use talks and small group discussions to spread ideas on self-love and being true to oneself. It sparks change in the workplace, leading to happier teams that value truth over masks.
The Positive Impact of Being Authentic at Work
Being real at work boosts your mental health and makes you more confident. It also helps you get along better with others and work together more smoothly.
Improved mental health
Being authentic at work leads to better mental health. You stop the stress of hiding your true self. This makes you feel more at peace and happy. Your mind does not have to juggle between who you are and who you pretend to be.
This simplicity brings less anxiety and depression.
Living authentically also boosts your confidence. You start valuing yourself more because you see that being real is better than wearing masks. Co-workers and friends respond positively, making workplace relationships stronger and more genuine.
Overall, your spirit feels lighter, making every day easier to face with a smile.
Increased self-confidence
Feeling good about who you are boosts your self-confidence. This happens when you are true to yourself at work. You worry less about what others think and focus more on doing your best.
This leads to taking on new challenges with eagerness.
With high self-confidence, co-workers and bosses notice your positive attitude and strong performance. They see you tackle tasks without fear. Your confidence inspires others too, making the workplace better for everyone.
Next, let's talk about improved relationships and collaboration.
Improved relationships and collaboration
Being more authentic at work can lead to better relationships and teamwork. People trust you more when they see the real you. This trust makes working together easier and more fun.
You'll find that tasks get done quicker and with less fuss because everyone understands each other better.
Work becomes a place where ideas flow freely. Team members feel safe to share their thoughts because they know they're valued for who they really are, not just what they can do. This kind of environment lets creativity and innovation bloom, making the workplace not only happier but also more productive.
Challenges and Struggles in Living Authentically in the Workplace
Living authentically at work can be tough, facing fears, societal pressures, and staying true in different situations. Explore more to find your path to authenticity.
Facing fears and doubts
Facing fears and doubts can seem like a big roadblock. It stops us from showing who we really are at work. Our brains tell us stories that aren't true, making us scared to take off our masks.
We worry what others will think if they see the real us. Thinking about rejection or judgment keeps many of these aspects ofus hiding.
But, there's hope! Start small. Notice when you're not being your true self and ask why. Is it fear of not fitting in? Or maybe worry about not being good enough? Understanding these fears is the first step to overcoming them.
With practice, facing these doubts becomes easier, helping you discover how you live more authentically every day.
Dealing with societal pressures
After facing fears and doubts, it's time to talk about societal pressures. Society often tells us how we should act, look, and feel at work. This can make it hard to be our true selves.
People might worry what others think if they show who they really are.
You'll face moments where sticking to your real self seems tough because of these pressures. It's okay. The key is not letting fear of judgment stop you from being your authentic self. Keep showing your true colours, even when it feels scary.
This bravery helps you find happiness and makes a stronger team at work.
Maintaining authenticity in different situations
Keeping true to yourself can be hard in different places at work. You might act one way with co-workers and another during a big meeting. The key is to find your real self and stick to it, no matter the setting.
This means being honest, sticking up for what you believe in, and not changing just to fit in or please others.
Staying authentic makes you feel good about who you are. It helps build real connections with people around you. Yes, it's tough at times, especially if others expect you to act a certain way because of their own views or society's rules.
But living authentically is worth it for your happiness and mental health. So keep showing the world your true self – it’s the best, truest version of you there is!
Conclusion: Embracing Your Truth and Living Authentically in the Workplace
Dropping the mask at work leads to a happier, more genuine life. It builds trust and makes teams stronger. You also feel better about yourself. Start with small steps - honesty, saying no when needed, and showing your real strengths.
Over time, this openness becomes easier and shapes a workplace where everyone can be their true selves. So, go ahead – show the world who you really are at work.
How To Be More Authentic And Stop Wearing A Mask At Work - FAQs
1. What does being authentic at work mean?
Being authentic means showing your true self, not just what you think others want to see. It's about being honest with your feelings and actions.
2. Why do people wear face masksat work?
People often wear masks for self-protection, to fit in or because they think it will help them succeed. They might also face maskshide their real thoughts or feelings.
3. How can I start being more authentic?
Start by knowing yourself well, what you like and don't like, and be brave enough to show that at work. Also, remember that being kind to yourself is important.
4. Can being authentic improve my relationships with co-workers?
Yes! When you're real and open, others feel they can be too. This builds trust and makes working together easier and more fun.
5. Is it ever okay to not be fully authentic at work?
Sometimes, we need a bit of a mask for professional reasons -- like staying calm when we're upset. But even then, try to stay as true as you can without hurting anyone's feelings.
6. How can positive psychology help me to be more authentic and stop wearing a metaphorical mask at work?
Positive psychology emphasises the importance of nurturing positive emotions and strengths rather than focusing solely on negative experiences. By applying principles of positive psychology, you can better understand your authentic self and reduce the need to hide behind a metaphorical face mask at work. For instance, when you practice mindfulness, you become more aware of your true thoughts and feelings, enabling a more genuine response to your environment and coworkers. This practice can sometimes feel like a risk, as showing your true self can be daunting. However, as Oscar Wilde famously said, "Be yourself; everyone else is already taken." Embracing this advice can transform your struggle into a journey of self-discovery. Positive psychology suggests that when you focus on your strengths and what brings you joy, the mask begins to slip, and your interactions become more sincere, improving not just your well-being but also potentially your career prospects. Remember, the risk of being authentic may seem high, especially when considering the professional norms and the potential impact on your co-worker relationships and money matters. However, this article reinforces the idea that the rewards of being true to yourself, including deeper connections and increased job satisfaction, far outweigh the potential risks.
7. What role does mindfulness play in removing the mask we wear at work, according to positive psychology?
Mindfulness, a core practice within positive psychology, is crucial for those who struggle with the pressure of wearing a metaphorical mask at work. By encouraging individuals to be present and fully engage with their current experience without judgment, mindfulness helps in recognising the discomfort that comes from inauthenticity. For instance, when you practice mindfulness, you become more attuned to your natural responses in various situations, from interactions with a co-worker to facing challenging tasks. This awareness is the first step in choosing authenticity over performing or wearing a face mask. Taking the risk to be genuine, based on mindfulness insights, can initially seem daunting. However, incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine allows for a more authentic response to the pressures of work life, aligning with Oscar Wilde's encouragement to live as our true selves. This shift not only enhances personal well-being but also fosters a more authentic and supportive work environment. As noted in several positive psychology articles, making mindfulness a practice can transform how we face each instance of our lives, leading to a richer, more genuine experience both personally and professionally. In the context of work, removing the mask not only benefits personal integrity but can also influence your career positively, showing that authenticity can indeed coexist with professional success.
