Should You Bring Your Whole Self to Work
Marc Andresson Says Something Foolish (my not shocked face)
In recent years, discussions around authenticity at work have surged. Expect this conversation to persist, as it touches on fundamental issues of workplace culture and personal well-being. For several years, the pendulum swung to the “be fully authentic” side, and now the natural change has occurred, and we will hear more “be professional, not authentic” side.
Neither side is right, it is a balancing act that depends on the people, the workplace, and the societal climate.
The catalyst for my thoughts came from an article quoting Marc Andreessen’s thoughts on the topic. Full disclosure: I find him to be a self-obsessed blowhard. If I need insights on running a venture capital firm, he’s worth a listen. On nearly anything else, he should sit down and stay quiet. For example, he celebrated the Trump election as a supposed antidote to societal repression—how many of you think the billionaire is being repressed (as he says what he wants on podcasts and in interviews). His take is so detached from reality it’s almost funny, if not for its glaring privilege and whininess.