A Balancing Act – Blending Personality With Professional Culture

By Brian Maynor

 

Have you ever felt the pressure to conform?

I’m willing to bet you have, and it’s important to know you’re not alone. A lot of people deal with the constant pressure of modulating their personality to conform with the standards of their employer or industry.   In some cases, this can have a positive result, leading to more creativity and ingenuity, but oftentimes it is simply a burden and source of pain that can have detrimental effects on your career and psyche.

Every level of the professional world is a mixture of conflicting personalities, ideologies and methods of expression and to successfully navigate them you need to understand how to pick and choose your battles, but what happens when you feel your core identity is the source of conflict? I recently read an article by Dorie Clark; marketing consultant and professor at Duke University, who researched this balancing act and found that asking four questions helps determine if the pressure you feel to hide your authentic self is real or imaginary. Here’s what she has to say:

1.    ‘What’s your evidence for believing you’ll be penalized?” She summarizes that often the fear of negative repercussions is based on pure speculation, not actual information. We all judge and form opinions from inferences, and when they are negative we usually stop pursing actual communication on the issue. Times change as do attitudes and opinions, so before you succumb to paralyzing fear test the waters and try having an actual conversation about the issue.

2.    “What’s the worst that could happen?” Clark explains that in some situations there could be severe negative repercussions for true authenticity at work, citing the fact that 31 states still lacking specific antidiscrimination protection for LGBT employees. Not all ramifications are as daunting as that and oftentimes are more severe in our minds than reality.

3.    “What exactly would you do differently if you were acting like your real self?” The feeling of suppression isn’t pleasant, but it’s ambiguous as well. To compensate and clearly understand the root of the issue you have to determine specifically what you would do differently by being truly authentic. Would you dress or behave differently? Understanding how you would change is crucial to find the balance and potential opportunities to work in more of your true self.

4.    “Is there a way to conduct a pilot?” Sometimes jumping ‘all in” is impossible to achieve, so one way to gauge the response is to conduct a small trial. These forays will provide valuable information without jeopardizing your career or reputation.

Deciding how much of our true selves to show at work is not an exact science and requires risks, but the payoff can be more than worth it. Being genuine and authentic can actually help move not only your career but also the company culture forward. You just have to take the chance and answering these questions is a great place to start.

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

 

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I am always curious to hear from you and what you see in the workplace. Send your questions, comments and pet peeves to [email protected]. Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.

 

About Brian Maynor

Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.

 

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