How to strategically fake authenticity at work (and why you should)

The idea of authenticity has gained immense popularity in recent years, becoming a staple in business literature and corporate culture. However, this concept may not be as straightforward or beneficial as it appears. The notion of authenticity implies being true to oneself and presenting one's "real" self at all times. Yet, a closer look at the evidence reveals that this philosophy may be overly simplistic and impractical.

One of the main issues with the concept of authenticity is the lack of a clear definition of what the "real" self truly is. Personality psychology has shown that people display consistency in their broad traits while adapting their behavior across different situations. In fact, research by psychologist Riccarda Zezza highlights that individuals often behave differently with different audiences, not because they are deceitful, but because context influences which version of themselves is most appropriate.

Moreover, the ability to strategically display appropriate aspects of oneself in various situations is crucial for civilization to function. For instance, surgeons need to maintain professionalism during operations, pilots must remain focused during turbulence, and judges must demonstrate objectivity when sentencing individuals. Emotional regulation and self-control have played significant roles in human progress by allowing people to adapt their behavior to suit specific audiences and circumstances.

The popular mantra "Bring your whole self to work" is problematic because people rarely exhibit their entire range of personalities at home, even with family members they love and trust. This suggests that colleagues would likely prefer a more curated version of their coworkers rather than the complete, unfiltered version of themselves. Additionally, successful social interactions often rely on impression management, which involves editing reality to fit socially acceptable norms.

Research on self-monitoring, a tendency to predict and care about how one's actions affect others, shows that individuals who adapt their self-presentation across situations tend to perform better in organizations. While rigidity in presenting oneself may seem morally superior, the reality is that what others value is the willingness to make an effort to acknowledge their existence and adapt behavior accordingly.

Therefore, the workplace does not need your "real" self, but rather your best self, which may differ from your most authentic self.

In conclusion, the idea of authenticity in the workplace is not as beneficial as it may seem. Instead, focusing on presenting one's best self, considering the context and social requirements of each situation, is a more practical approach to success in the professional world.