When was the last time you remember being genuine? Most of us get used to acting the way we are supposed to act with people. We smile congenially at customers, clients and colleagues. We jump up to assist customers when needed. We make small talk with colleagues.
There’s nothing wrong with any of this. It always helps to be gracious with anyone you come across. At the same time, living up to everyone’s expectations might leave you feeling strangely hollow.
How Do You Express Yourself?
If doing a good job makes you feel hollow, does this mean that you need to stop trying? No. But at the same time, it’s a good idea to let your genuine self come through in what you do. You don’t have to keep biting back what you really think or feel. You can express your thoughts as long as you do so in a positive, constructive way.
Coming to Your Own Conclusions About Issues
If your colleagues have gotten into the habit of grumbling about a certain task, does that mean you have to grumble with them? Instead, you can think about what you really feel with regard to that task and come to your own conclusions.
Being Genuine with Supervisors and Colleagues
After thinking about it, if you feel like some systemic changes are necessary, you can find an opportunity to speak about this issue to your supervisor, telling them your concerns and presenting possible solutions. On the other hand, if you feel like the colleague grumbling about the task needs to do it in a different way, you can tell them that.
Picking Your Battles
It’s a good idea to be genuine but you do have to pick your battles. Speaking out about something that doesn’t mean much to you may be admirable in some cases. But if you’ve brought up a certain issue several times to no effect, you might as well save your breath.
Being Genuine vs. Being One with the Herd
If the issue is something close to your heart, then by all means be genuine. Not only does it make a change from just doing your job but it also enables superiors to see that you’re able to think for yourself instead of just being one with the herd.
