Another Reason to Help Employees Feel Authentic at Work

Here is another valuable Management Tip of the Day from Harvard Business Review. To sign up for a free subscription to any/all HBR newsletters, please click here.

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People want the freedom to be their authentic selves at work. There are many benefits to authenticity, and one of them, research shows, is that it encourages ethical behavior. When people feel that their professional responsibilities align with their personal values, they’re more likely to act in ways that support those values (and vice versa). There are several things managers can do to promote authenticity.

o First, give employees some control over what their responsibilities are and how they carry them out. Job crafting can help people feel more connected to their roles.

o Second, make clear what your company’s values are. Don’t just post them on a wall — share stories of them in action, and reward employees who exemplify them.

o Third, be transparent about hiring, promotions, and other processes. How things are done should be clear to everyone in the organization. And don’t try to force authenticity — some people may not feel comfortable bringing their whole selves to work.

Learn your team’s needs on a person-by-person basis.

This tip is adapted from Why Authentic Workplaces Are More Ethical,” by Maryam Kouchaki

Here’s a direct link to dozens of other Management Tips.

 

 

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