The number of masks I wore throughout my corporate career and at the start of my own business were numerous. Each one served a purpose to get what I wanted at work, home, and in the community.
At the time, I felt I had to wear those masks and play certain games as I struggled with low self-esteem, confidence, and self-worth.
But, losing my career of 25 years, a large circle of friends of many years, and even myself within the drama that was my life, woke me up to a whole new view on the connections I had with people and myself.
Pretending to be someone I wasn’t, playing the politics of business and social circles, and living based on others expectations and not my own dreams and goals, was NOT working. Actually, it was doing everything but work, it was pushing away and keeping away the relationships, experiences, and successes I wanted so much from my work and life.
I learned that by just being me; open, and honest in how I lived, connected, engaged, communicated, and cared for others, I would achieve everything I wanted.
Openness and honesty aren’t just buzzwords in today’s corporate world; they’re the backbone of successful communication and robust leadership. As we unpack this, you’ll discover actionable tips that’ll have you shedding those corporate bitches of fear and insecurity, and stepping into your role as a powerhouse leader.
Understanding Openness and Honesty
Before diving into the how-tos, let’s decode what openness and honesty truly mean in a professional setting. Openness isn’t just about sharing your deepest secrets; it’s about listening without reservation and putting your needs on pause to truly receive what others are saying. Honesty, on the other hand, requires being truly and freely yourself, and speaking into what you want and how you feel. Think of it as a dance between being authentic and being receptive.
Why We Need Openness and Honesty
The significance lies in their impact. According to numerous studies, over 65% of employees crave more feedback, yet less than 30% receive it regularly. So, why aren’t we more open and honest? Fear and avoidance, often stemming from over-complicated communication styles, hold us back. But embracing these values doesn’t just forge stronger human connections; it also leads to transformative communication, trust, and significant financial gains for companies.
Breaking Down the Barriers
The divide in honest communication can stem from two places as noted by our guest this week on Shedding the Corporate Bitch, Grace Gavin of Know Honesty: the “Fake You” façade and putting up “The Wall”. These barriers prevent us from being genuine and open with our colleagues, fundamentally limiting our ability to connect and collaborate.
So, how do you break them down?
- Self-Reflection: Start with understanding your current communication style. Are you projecting a ‘Fake You’ or building walls? Taking assessments like the one at Know Honesty can unveil your barriers and help you tackle them.
- Define your Openness and Honesty: Be clear about these expectations within your team. For instance, consider creating an agreement about communication styles. Make it clear what being open and honest means in your team, and how it manifests in daily interactions.
- Practice Active Listening: This sounds simple, but it’s crucial. When someone speaks, focus on their words without formulating your response. This ensures they feel heard and valued.
- Deliver Feedback with Care: Instead of being brutally honest, aim for a balance of complete honesty delivered with care and respect. This encourages a positive feedback loop and opens channels for growth.
- Identify and Communicate Your Needs: Document what you truly want from your professional life. Clear desires aligned with your goals not only empower you but also ensure you’re working towards what truly matters.
Embracing openness and honesty isn’t a one-time fix. It’s an ongoing practice that evolves with you and your team. As you become more comfortable in your authentic self and more open in your encounters, you’ll inspire the same authenticity and openness in others.
Next time you’re in a room full of your peers and leaders, remember: the veil of invulnerability isn’t a necessity. Authentic leaders are the future, those willing to shed their corporate bitches and lead with heart.
#Leadership #OpenCommunication #CorporateLife #Authenticity #HonestLeadership #SheddingTheCorpBitch #GrowthMindset #WorkplaceCulture
Let’s continue to grow and lead by example, turning every workplace interaction into a stepping stone towards true powerhouse leadership. Keep shedding, keep growing, and keep leading. CHECK OUT MY DISCUSSION WITH GRACE –
