Be Yourself

There is often a subtle pressure to conform to fit into predefined roles and expectations. However, it is important to remember that staying true to yourself is not only empowering but also essential for long-term personal and professional fulfilment.
This blog post aims to shed light on the importance of embracing your individuality and resisting the urge to change who you really are to fit in at work.

A few years ago, I attended a Women in Mining conference and one of the speakers was talking about how we change our natural behaviours, values and at times our personality to fit into the work environment. Particularly in such a male dominated industry as mining. My lightbulb moment that day was ‘Don’t become one of the boys’. That quote really got me thinking about my own behaviours in the workplace.

I reflected on my behaviours the few weeks prior to the conference, and this is what I discovered:
• My language changed. I was swearing more and using language that I wouldn’t typically use;
• I wasn’t holding anyone to account for the way they spoke to me and was accepting of it even though it really irked me;
• I was laughing at ‘jokes’ that I didn’t find funny that were directed at me or others around me.

And I realised that I had changed my behaviours and let my own values slip so that I could potentially fit in and be accepted by others.

Now reality is, it didn’t matter what I did or how I acted, those that respected me were still going to respect me and those that didn’t weren’t worth the effort anyway! All I was doing was selling myself short. I had family and friends that loved me for me and here I was trying so hard to change who I was for people in the workplace. What a totally dump thing to do!
I made a pact with myself that day, that I wasn’t going to change who I was for anyone anymore – especially in the workplace. Looking back on that now, some years later, it is still such a valuable lesson and one that I have shared many times.

When you embrace your true self at work, you exude confidence and self-worth. By staying true to your values, beliefs, and unique qualities, you build an authentic personal brand that sets you apart from the crowd. This confidence not only positively impacts your performance but also influences how others perceive and respect you in the workplace.

A diverse workforce thrives on individuality. Individuals contribute unique perspectives and ideas, fostering innovation and effective problem-solving. By resisting the pressure to conform, you can offer fresh insights and approaches that may not have been considered otherwise, positively impacting both your team and the organisation.

Authenticity allows for the development of genuine relationships with colleagues and leaders. You attract like-minded individuals who appreciate and value your uniqueness. These connections can lead to meaningful collaborations, mentorship opportunities, and a supportive professional network that can help propel your career forward.

Trying to fit into a mould that doesn’t align with your true self can lead to feelings of dissatisfaction, stress, and even burnout. Embracing your individuality at work allows you to find a sense of fulfilment and purpose in what you do. When your values and passions align with your job, you are more likely to experience increased job satisfaction, overall well-being, and a healthier work-life balance.

You become a role model for authenticity in the workplace. Your courage to be yourself can inspire others to embrace their individuality as well. By creating a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone feels free to express their true selves, you contribute to a positive work culture that values diversity, creativity, and personal growth.

In a world that often encourages conformity, it is crucial to remember that being you is your greatest asset. Embrace your individuality, stand firm in your values, and resist the pressure to change who you are to fit in. Most importantly, be proud of who you are, and never compromise your values or behaviours for the sake of fitting in. Don’t be like one of the boys, be you.

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