Chameleons Beware

What is the actual cost of doing what poet David Whyte calls, “leaving the ‘real you’ in the car” before going to work?

The most recent copy of The Week reports damage to one’s personal health & heightened stress levels, not to mention a sudden death to natural talent and passion. Whyte would agree, as he calls the soul a measure of belonging. Without it, individuals become lost without a sense of purpose.

The beauty of the authentic self is one of the most important contributors to creativity in Play’s workplace. Granted, one must know who he/she is before doing so, which is far less common than it should be. The tendency for newcomers in many organizations is to adopt tendencies most favorable in the eyes of superiors within the organization. This chameleon-like behavior is a treacherous detriment to the ideation process, but is often more comfortable to us as we ‘play it safe’ during our time on display as the newest addition.

Prior to this scene, we as individuals ensure our authenticity as a prospective hire to a company via references, resume, interview, hour long team presentations, heck the list goes on all the way to eBay seller ratings for some. But what are the ways in which employers can guarantee authenticity of self in the workplace post hire? Play keeps up with everyone’s schedule with weekly morning meetings to ask how are you? How are we? How is Play? Newcomers are immediately placed on the spot, and active participation and contribution is a given.

What are the unspoken assumptions or intangible barriers within your company that may be prohibiting self-expression, and in turn creative thought?