Welcome to Generational Leadership.

In this episode, Leland Thompson and Daeveon Emery are joined by special guest Angela Craft-Willams. We will be discussing what it means to bring your authentic self to the workplace.  With insights from three different generations( Generation Z, Generation X, and Baby Boomers) we are sure there's something for everyone to learn. 

Have you heard Part 1 of our conversation on Authentic Self? If not, you can listen in at the link below!

https://generationalleadership.podbean.com/e/authentic-self-with-angela-craft-williams/

Below is a paraphrased version of this episode.

Question eight(23:20)

Daeveon, When you think about the authentic self and you hear the phrase “keeping it real”, are those two things the same? And are there any negatives behind “keeping it real”? - Leland

 

I feel like with the term keeping it real people use that as an out to disregard their personal filter. When they say they are keeping it real they begin to spew out the first thoughts that come to their mind with no regard to how that will affect the situation. When we keep it real we must redefine that statement. If we continue to use the generalization of the term “keep it real” we will continue to perpetuate the negative side of “ keeping it real” - Daeveon 

 

Question nine (25;48)

 

Where does diversity and inclusion fit into authentic self? - Leland

 

Part of our authentic selves can be dependent on our ethnicity and cultural history. If you are in a position where they are denying your ethnicity or cultural background then they are denying that part of your identity. -Daeveon

 

Not only do the organizations need to have cultural awareness, but they also need to understand what is the appetite and pace to move the needle. A great way to do that is by doing employee engagement surveys so you can develop a foundation to build your diversity and inclusion initiatives upon. -Angela 

Question ten (28:48)

 

Can you have the “bring your authentic self “ philosophy without having a diversity and inclusion initiative within the organization? - Leland

 

You can bring your authentic self but if the organization doesn’t have an awareness of what your authentic self looks like then that will create that friction. So it is possible if the organization has an elevated sense of cultural awareness without having set initiatives. - Angela 

 

Question eleven (29:40)

 

Daeveon, What can an organization do for you, to prove to you before you accept that job that they welcome the authentic version of yourself?

 

The first thing that came to my mind is witness how the employees are able to bring their authentic selves every day. If I’m able to have a conversation with an employee and their answers come from a genuine place versus a “you’re going to tell this to my boss” answer. - Daeveon

 

And for you Angela ? - Leland

 

I’m looking for organizations that demonstrate that are sustainable and they are making it generational.bef

 

There was a company over the summer that granted 15% more shelf space to black business, which is great, but I want to see 15% more seats on the board, 15% more seats on the executive and senior leadership team. Things that can change generations through positive impact and change what an organization does that’s sustainable. - Angela  

 

Question twelve (33:57)

When a leader says bring your authentic self to work are they asking “ bring your most authentic self that’s comfortable for me, or the most comfortable for you” - Leland 

 

I think it can be both you just have to ask the question. One of the comments I will make in the interview process when I’m interviewing is “ I don’t tell you what you want to hear, I tell you what you need to know.” and their answer lets me know if they are the kind of person that can work with me.- Angela  

 

This reminds me of times where I was in positions where the leader was looking for someone who was young and malleable. Someone that they can shape into their own personal image. Some leaders may see a piece of themselves in you and begin to reflect their other traits onto you. This can be beneficial if you are willing to go through that experience in order to learn. If you aren't looking for that kind of relationship then you will feel extremely restricted in how much of your authentic self you can bring.

• Daeveon

It’s interesting you say that because when I was running a market my interview team would come back and say “ I interviewed someone that reminds me of you” and that thought would scare me. When you’re looking at that person in relation to someone else and you will be expecting them to operate in the same way disregarding their authentic self. -Leland

 

Question twelve (38:15)

 

What advice would you give to a generation, not of yours, about bringing your authentic self to work? - Leland

 

The advice I would give to a leader to a generation above mine would be to revisit who your own authentic self is. Just like our taste pallet our authentic selves change as well. You may have liked tomatoes as a kid and not like them now so it’s important to take the time to review your morals, character, and heart. - Daeveon

 

Just to piggyback off of that, I would say not even just for the work environment but your personal life to take the time in investing in yourself and understanding who you are. IF you understand your foundation, what drives you, motivates you, and where people can get the best out of you. That makes bringing your authentic self much clearer.- Angela