Can You Be Yourself at Work?

Tips for Growing Within a Corporate Structure

I was recently asked by a young professional, what’s the point in working in an environment if they cannot be themselves? I struggled with this for the majority of my career because not being true to myself is not an option but if you choose to take my route, it usually comes with a lot of unnecessary strife, great character development and most times some form of career abuse.

In today’s workplace, the age-old question of "Can you truly be yourself at work?" resonates louder than ever. As more companies champion values like authenticity and inclusivity, the notion of bringing your whole self to the office has become a topic of serious discussion. But what does it really mean to "be yourself" at work, especially in a corporate structure that may have rigid expectations? And how can you balance that with professional growth?

The Myth of the “Corporate Persona”

In the past, many believed that succeeding in the corporate world required maintaining a “professional persona” that often felt detached from your true self. The idea was that you had to fit a specific mold, dressing a certain way, speaking in corporate jargon, and avoiding any display of individuality.

However, that’s changing. Today, many companies recognize that diverse personalities, perspectives, and work styles drive innovation and foster a more dynamic, engaging environment. Being yourself is not only accepted, but often encouraged.

But it’s also important to recognize that while modern workplaces are becoming more flexible, corporate structures still exist. There are norms, hierarchies, and cultures that require you to adapt and navigate professionally. So, how do you find the right balance?

Tips for Being Yourself While Growing in a Corporate Structure

1. Understand the Company Culture

Before you bring your full self to work, it's essential to understand the company culture. Each company has its own set of values, unwritten rules, and expectations for behaviour. Some companies are more relaxed, while others have a more traditional or formal environment.

• Research and observe: Pay attention to how people communicate, dress, and handle interactions, especially in meetings. What’s acceptable in one company may not fly in another.

• Identify flexibility: Look for areas where the company allows for personal expression. Is it okay to dress more casually? Can you speak openly in meetings? This will help you gauge where you can infuse your own personality.

• Read the company handbook: This is the “legal” guide that details all the company’s policies and procedures….you should know this from cover to cover.

2. Balance Authenticity with Professionalism

Being yourself doesn’t mean being the exact same version of yourself as you would be at home or with close friends. In a corporate setting, you need to bring a professional version of yourself to the table—someone who’s authentic but still understands the context of the workplace.

• Be mindful of boundaries: It’s important to share parts of who you are, but avoid oversharing. Personal details, especially in professional settings, should be shared in moderation.

• Maintain a professional demeanour: Being yourself doesn’t mean ignoring workplace etiquette. Professionalism is still key—communicate respectfully, meet deadlines, and approach situations with a solution-oriented mindset.

3. Leverage Your Strengths

Part of being authentic at work involves embracing your unique skills and strengths. What is your super power(s)? What are your passions? These are the things that can help you stand out and grow in your career.

• Showcase your individuality: Whether it’s through your creativity, analytical skills, or leadership style, find ways to bring what makes you unique into your work.

• Seek out projects that align with your strengths: When you can tie your natural abilities to work, you’re not only being true to yourself but also positioning yourself as an asset to the company.

4. Build Meaningful Relationships

Relationships are key in any corporate structure. While you want to be authentic, it’s also important to build a network of allies, mentors, and collaborators who can help you grow.

• Find common ground: Instead of forcing connections, look for shared interests or values with colleagues. This allows you to build genuine relationships without feeling like you need to “perform” or fit in.

• Adapt communication styles: You may feel more comfortable being informal or casual, but you might need to adjust your communication style depending on the situation. Some colleagues or higher-ups may prefer a more formal approach.

5. Speak Up and Share Ideas

One of the best ways to stay authentic is to contribute your thoughts, ideas, and feedback. It shows that you’re bringing your unique perspective to the table, which is a key part of being yourself at work.

• Don’t be afraid to express yourself: If you have an idea or a suggestion, don’t hold back. Authenticity often comes through in moments when you’re willing to speak up, even if it challenges the status quo.

• Be strategic with feedback: If you need to provide feedback or raise concerns, frame it in a constructive, solution-oriented way. This shows maturity and professionalism while still allowing you to voice your true thoughts.

6. Embrace Vulnerability

Being yourself also means embracing moments of vulnerability. In a corporate setting, vulnerability can feel risky, but it often fosters trust and collaboration when done thoughtfully.

• Admit when you don’t know something: It’s okay to say, “I don’t know, but I’ll find out.” Authenticity doesn’t mean having all the answers. It means being open and willing to learn.

• Share your challenges: If you’re struggling with a project or a workload, communicate this to your manager or team. It shows self-awareness and fosters an environment where everyone can support each other.

7. Set Boundaries

Part of being true to yourself at work is knowing when to set boundaries to protect your work-life balance. It’s easy to feel pressure to always be "on" in a corporate environment, but setting boundaries is crucial for long-term success.

• Communicate your needs: If you need time to recharge, communicate that. For example, if you need to log off at a certain time, set that expectation early.

• Protect your time: While being a team player is important, don’t stretch yourself too thin. Be assertive about what you can realistically take on.

How to Grow Within a Corporate Structure While Being Yourself

1. Demonstrate Your Value: Make sure you consistently show how your authentic self contributes to the company’s goals. Whether it's through your work ethic, fresh ideas, or leadership qualities, be proactive in demonstrating your worth.

2. Seek Feedback: Regularly ask for feedback from your superiors and colleagues. This not only helps you grow but also shows that you’re committed to improving while remaining true to yourself.

3. Stay Open to Learning: The corporate world is ever-evolving. Stay curious and adaptable, and embrace opportunities for growth, even if they push you outside your comfort zone.

4. Understand the Politics (But Don’t Play Them): Every corporate structure has its politics, but that doesn’t mean you need to play the game. Understand how things work behind the scenes, but stay true to your principles. Build authentic relationships instead of engaging in office politics.

5. Align Your Personal Goals with Company Goals: Find ways to align your personal career aspirations with the company’s objectives. When your growth contributes to the company’s success, it’s a win-win.

Yes, you can absolutely be yourself at work, but it requires self-awareness, adaptability, and a professional approach. The key is to find the balance between being authentic and respecting the corporate structure in which you operate. By understanding the company culture, building meaningful relationships, and leveraging your strengths, you can grow professionally without sacrificing your true self.

Remember, authenticity is not a license to ignore professionalism—it’s about bringing your unique personality, values, and talents into a space where they can thrive. The best version of yourself is one that remains true to who you are, while continuously growing and contributing in meaningful ways.

In the end, being yourself at work is a powerful way to stand out, build connections, and succeed, all while staying true to your values.