"'I was just being myself' isn't an excuse for disrespectful behavior.

It signals a lack of concern for others.

Authenticity without empathy is selfish. Authenticity without boundaries is careless.

Be true to your values, but show regard for others' values." 

- Adam Grant Author

Mujeres y Allies,

It’s May Day—the International Day of the Worker.  Whether you are sitting in an office in a skyscraper, working the shop floor, sitting in a cubicle village, or dreaming up the “next big thing” at your kitchen table/home office—this is the day to honor workers of all stripes!  Workers –yes, each of us—play a vital role in the economy that sustains our communities and our families. It’s a perfect day to think about how we bring our true authentic self to the work we do and succeed. According to the Center for Talent Innovation, over “76% percent of Latinx expend energy at repressing part of their personas at work."  In part, this speaks to the bias we can face in the workplace and it can also stem from a tension over the complex, multiple identities many women, people of color or members of the LGBTQ community can hold.  This week’s #3LVCareerHacks is all about what it means to be authentic at work and leveraging our best, beautiful, multi-dimensional selves at work!

Uno, dos, y tres. Let’s do this con ganas.

Most of us have an identity that rests at the intersection of race, gender, ethnicity and sexuality. We code switch between how we show up among friends, our immediate family and at work constantly.  With deeper awareness around elements of our identities, we can feel more authentic about how we navigate those worlds. Your personal brand at work is a combination of your own “super powers” and what you are striving to be professionally.  For example, think about the 3 words you most use to describe yourself or your career—"Sharp, Dedicated, Ambitious” or “Positive, Diplomatic, Engaging.” Feeling authentic means finding ways to demonstrate these qualities consistently and link your brand to the success that emerges.

Nothing says more about who we are than how we express our personal core values. What do you value most?  Respect, Compassion, Creativity, Sustainability, Truth, Loyalty, or Service? Values really shape your priorities, our passion projects and ultimately your behaviors—across the many domains of life—career, family, or community.  The minute we start to act in ways that undermine our core beliefs—we’ll feel compromised, anxious, uncomfortable or all of the above. Being true to yourself is easier if you keep those values clear. Know what you stand for and align your identity accordingly. When you begin to feel uncomfortable, journal around this key question--what happened today that stood in contrast with my values?

If you are an immigrant or first generation born here in the US, your Latinidad may play a very large part of your identity.  We switch between English and Spanish easily. Our playlists may have artists from the US, Mexico, Puerto Rico or Brazil! These cultural reference points may be part of your identity to varying degrees and if they are it’s key to feel comfortable talking about how these influence your life and career.  You never have to tell your full life story at work—but sharing your experience of the diversity of Latino cultures is yours to claim. Find a few elements of your cultural roots to share at work---it may take a bit of courage--but it will give you ways to own your heritage and feel proud of your Latinidad!    

That's it. #3LVCareerHacks to bring your authentic self to work!

Got a comment for us? Give us a shout at @SavvyLatinaInfo @LatinaVIDA360 or on our Facebook Group. We’d love to hear from you!  If you’ve made one of the CareerHack tips work for you, we may feature you in the next LatinaVIDA360 Career Power Hacks Podcast! Let us hear from you.

Live Your VIDA with Intention! 

--Abrazos,

Your LV Familia!

P. S. Remember, here are the other LatinaVIDA resources for you:

• Evernote Notebook of Curated Work-Life Resources, Readings and Tips

• Join our Private Facebook Group

• LatinaVIDA360 Podcast Latina Leaders in Conversation and NEW Career Power Hacks

• Our #Slack Community to Share Experiences with LatinaVIDA Circle Guide

• Past #3LVCareerHacks Newsletters (please share with friends and family)

• Latina Cubicle Confidential: A Personal Blog from our Co-Founders

RESOURCES