From Conformity to Courage Through Human Work

<This article was originally published on the www. duenablomstrom.com website here>

Much as we get impatient and frustrated when we are in the belly of the beast, in the world of work, there is a clear evolution in terms of authenticity and courage.

When we start out in our careers, we are often determined to emulate whatever is deemed as "professional" behaviour. We are desperate to pass undetected, and we look around at older and more accomplished counterparts with a mixture of envy and awe. We wonder how they can have such a free-spirited and touchy-feely persona, while we feel like we have to toe the line and play it safe. From where we stand, authenticity and a firm point of view are the last of the things we have been shown are valuable at our junior level.

However, as we evolve, as our self-awareness grows, our business acumen develops, and our skillset increases, we start to notice that the fearlessness and extreme honesty that some leaders proudly display is paramount to their ability to be inspiring and efficient. We start opening up here and there, sharing our true selves with our colleagues and our clients. We start to take risks, speaking our minds even when we know it might not be popular. We start to lead by example, showing others that it is possible to be both authentic and successful.

This evolution is not just happening in the workplace. It is happening all over the world. People are starting to realize that authenticity is not a weakness, but a strength. It is what allows us to connect with others on a deeper level, to build trust, and to create a more meaningful life.