Want to Stand Out at Work? Forget Authenticity—It’s a Myth
- Hogan Assessments
- Apr 2
- 2 min read
Being "your true self" is often seen as a key to success at work, but Hogan Assessments data reveals it’s not a reality.
Authenticity is often championed as the key to professional success: speaking your mind and showing your true personality. However, Hogan Assessments research suggests that authenticity in the workplace is more of a myth than a reality, and in many cases, striving for it can backfire.
True authenticity means acting in complete alignment with one’s beliefs, feelings, and personality. Yet, from early childhood, people receive feedback designed to shape their behavior to fit social expectations—at home, in school, and later, in the workplace. Employees adjust their actions based on supervisors, peers, and professional norms, often prioritizing likability and adaptability over raw self-expression. Research shows that when individuals report feeling “authentic” at work, they typically behave in a socially desirable manner rather than genuinely expressing their unfiltered selves.
At face value, an authentic workplace sounds appealing—an environment where people are honest and open. However, this perspective ignores the realities of professional relationships. Not all thoughts and feelings are beneficial when shared; being brutally honest can create unnecessary tension. While people say they want authentic leaders, they genuinely seek integrity. For example, a leader who is transparent about being dishonest is ineffective.
There are three reasons why being your true self at work isn’t always a reality:
Professionalism: It is often essential to maintain a level of professionalism in the workplace. Being too casual or openly sharing personal beliefs may not fit the workplace culture and can influence how colleagues and supervisors view you.
“‘Just be yourself’ can be risky, whether in job interviews or leadership roles. Doing so may come across as unprofessional or overbearing,” says Hogan Assessments Chief Science Officer Ryne Sherman, PhD.
Avoiding Conflict: In a corporate environment, being your authentic self can sometimes lead to disagreements, particularly on sensitive issues. Many individuals keep their personal opinions private to promote harmony and prevent uncomfortable interactions.
According to Dr. Sherman, “Striking a balance between self-expression and professionalism is key to navigating career growth. Professionals who thoughtfully evaluate how their authentic selves align with organizational goals can position themselves for success while remaining true to their values.”
Career Advancement: Adhering to workplace expectations and norms can facilitate career growth. Management and coworkers may also appreciate a more conventional or polished image.
"Leaders who become too comfortable in their roles risk lowering professional standards, which can undermine the respect and engagement of their team members—and even impact relationships with external stakeholders."
This final insight from Dr. Sherman highlights the importance of navigating authenticity with intention and strategy. Instead of aiming for authenticity, professionals should focus on presenting their best selves, balancing honesty with professionalism, fostering strong workplace relationships, and aligning behavior with career goals. Personality assessments and behavioral insights can help individuals understand how their actions shape their professional reputation, providing a strategic approach to navigating workplace dynamics.
About Hogan Assessments: The international leader in personality insights, Hogan Assessments produces valid, reliable personality assessments grounded in decades’ worth of research. More than 75% of the Fortune 500 use Hogan’s talent acquisition and development solutions to hire the right people without bias, boost productivity, reduce turnover, and promote diversity and inclusion. For more information, visit hoganassessments.com.
