In a world full of generic LinkedIn posts, being authentically yourself is often frowned upon, and feels like a fireable offense. In Episode 134 of Happy Hour Hustle, “Being Yourself at Work,” Kim sat down with Alyshia Hull, a New York-based freelance journalist who writes for Business Insider, Fast Company, USA Today, Inc., and Entrepreneur. The topic was why workplace authenticity matters, how culture is set from the top down, and the personality types that can either help or hurt you at work.
Bringing Your Authentic Self to Work
In Alyshia’s recent USA Today article, she dives into the common misconception that workplace conformity won’t cause tension. It is actually quite the opposite, tension matters and has a heavy impact on culture. When people feel they can bring their authentic selves to work, it reduces burnout and becomes a place where people actually want to be.
This environment is not magically created overnight. Alyshia notes that it “starts with the top and works its way down.” When managers build a culture where people feel safe to be themselves, employees stop operating in survival mode. The way Alyshia puts it, “it’s the little everyday things that people are really looking for.” When people feel this being executed from leadership, they start feeling connected to their work and to the people around them.
Know Your Audience
Alyshia breaks down the many personalities you’ll find in any workplace into three main archetypes: the jokester, the workplace parent, and the personality hire. Each one brings something different to the table and knowing which one you are (and who you’re working with) helps you navigate professional boundaries. Knowing your values and acting on them is beneficial when deciding if it is appropriate to share something or not.
Leadership Modeling Behavior
Building trust in the workplace goes both ways. Employees often hesitate to share their commitments or what’s going on in their lives, leaving managers without the context to tailor work appropriately. When managers set parameters for openness and model that behavior in everyday operations, it creates an environment where employees feel free to lead with their personalities instead of hiding who they are.
Whether you’re working from home, in the office, or in an open workspace, bringing your whole self to the table creates an environment that feels human.
Go follow Alyshia, she is awesome.
Connect with Alyshia:
- Website: https://alyshiahull.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyshia-hull
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alyshiahull/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@alyshiaHull
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