Authenticity counts. That much is clear in the work world. Whoever fails at convincing the client of just how real your business is, does not stand a chance against competition. But how do you combine your personal beliefs with what the business stands for?
For instance, imagine the following case: Your company wants to support and celebrate the FIFA world cup 2022. They organize events like public viewing, write reports about the games, and decorate the office accordingly. Of course, they also use the world cup for marketing – the whole world is excited about the games, and features on the subject have a high viewer rate.
You, however, view the event from a critical perspective. While being invested in the celebrations and understanding that it gives countries a reason to celebrate and connect with other nations, this year’s world cup is rather controversial. After more than six thousand people died during the preparations, one may question if supporting the event is such a good idea.
So, what do you do? You want to contribute to the company’s branding and marketing, but also express your personal opinion. So, while helping to enable the world cup plans come true, you could also write articles on the event from a critical angle. Or use the idea of public viewing to reduce the overall viewing rate – if many people come together to watch the games on one screen, this affects the matter more positively than each person watching the world cup individually. You can use the range your business has to spread awareness and shed light on different aspects of a subject.
I believe that this also works for any other matter. Let it be politics, religion, covid-19 vaccinations or environmental issues – no matter in what sector you work, there will always be as many different opinions as there are people. If your business is an objective medium, various opinions and views on an issue will do well to increase your audience. However, it is important to share your views appropriately without becoming too extreme. Each company has a certain way to present itself to the world. And let’s be real here – if the company’s views were completely contradictory to your own, you would most probably not be working there at all.
However, I understand it can be hard at times to practice authenticity while also being aware that you will not be able to share some of your opinions publicly when on the job. Many will feel that they are restricted in their free statements, for instance on social media, because they do not match the company’s face.
But you will not only feel this way at work – no matter which social situation you find yourself in, but you will also always only show certain sides of your personality and thoughts. It is natural for humans to filter their opinion into what is most fitting to the situation. This does not mean that you erase your personality for that matter; you simply stress different aspects of it, depending on the circumstances. This is also what will happen at work: While keeping certain things to yourself not to confuse the overall branding of your company, you will find ways to contribute to it and let your thoughts and views be part of the picture that the company sells to its clients.
