Authenticity at work

In episode 4, Antony Froggett and Jim Davis discuss the issue of authenticity at work. What do we mean by authenticity and why is it relevant to the world of work? Most people agree that authenticity is a good thing, just like honesty, so why then is there so little emphasis on the importance of authenticity in the workplace? There is perhaps an "authenticity paradox" in which organisations wish to prescribe behaviour (and sometimes attitudes) that are seen as "good" (good for efficiency, good for profits, good for customer care) but in doing so they create interactions between workers and clients which are lifeless, disengaged and routine. Authentic engagement is often viewed as a good thing but it cannot be prescribed or monitored as easily as conventional work goals. Authenticity (and the spontaneity that it requires) is therefore anxiety provoking and disconcerting. There is the anxiety of not knowing where an authentic conversation might lead and the fear of making mistakes. Paradoxically, it is when things are most difficult (e.g. when someone wishes to make a complaint) that an authentic, non-scripted dialogue is likely to be experienced as genuinely helpful by clients. Amazon affiliate links to books on authenticity: Neil Crofts Authentic: How to Make a Living by Being Yourself Rob Goffee Why Should Anyone Be Led by You?: What It Takes To Be An Authentic Leader James H Gilmore and B Joseph Pine Ii Authenticity: What Consumers Really Want If you would like to subscribe to the Work And How to Survive It podcast you can do this by clicking on these links for ITunes or Feedburner. We’d like to hear your feedback about the show! You can leave us your comments or questions by emailing us at: [email protected] Or you can leave a voice message by telephoning us on: 0161 820 6507 (within the UK) or +44 161 820 6507 (from outside the UK).