Columbia University business psychology professor Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic challenges conventional wisdom with a provocative claim: being yourself at work might actually hinder your professional growth.
While authenticity has become a workplace buzzword, Chamorro-Premuzic argues that developing competencies like diplomacy and impulse management matters more for career advancement. The real competitive advantage, he contends, lies in emotional intelligence—the capacity to recognize and regulate both your own emotions and those of others.
"This ability serves as essential professional currency," Chamorro-Premuzic explains. "It enhances your marketability and makes colleagues genuinely want to work with you."
In his recent book "Don't Be Yourself: Why Authenticity Is Overrated (and What to Do Instead)," released October 7, he outlines how workplace success depends on integrating interpersonal capabilities, perspective-taking, and awareness of how others perceive you.
Three Essential Skills for Professional Success
1. Embracing Constructive Criticism
Top performers actively pursue candid, critical input from qualified evaluators who will deliver necessary truths rather than comfortable platitudes, according to Chamorro-Premuzic.
Since most people default to offering praise, how you frame your request matters significantly. Rather than asking a vague question like "How did my presentation go?" he suggests more targeted inquiries: "What aspects could I improve? What alternative approaches might have worked better? How would you have handled this situation?"
Maintaining composure during difficult feedback proves essential—defensive reactions shut down future honesty. "Though challenging, inviting constructive criticism helps you bridge the divide between your self-perception and reality," he notes.
2. Cultivating Social Intelligence
Developing social acuity yields substantial career dividends, Chamorro-Premuzic emphasizes. His core recommendation for managing workplace relationships: "Redirect attention from yourself toward others."
Recognizing and responding appropriately to colleagues' emotions represents a cornerstone of emotional intelligence. Those with strong social awareness can assess interpersonal dynamics and modify their approach authentically, without appearing insincere.
He describes this as "strategic self-presentation"—deliberately behaving in ways that consider others' expectations while maintaining genuineness. Since most people remain self-focused, demonstrating genuine interest in others creates a powerful differentiator. "When you prioritize understanding others in a world where everyone's preoccupied with themselves, you gain a significant edge," he observes.
3. Developing Flexibility
Though leaning on existing strengths feels natural, Chamorro-Premuzic warns that tolerating discomfort while acquiring unfamiliar capabilities drives real development.
Highly successful individuals demonstrate willingness to experiment: "They commit to trying different approaches and exploring new methods, even when it feels uncomfortable."
We frequently mistake characteristics like extroversion, rigidity, or gregariousness as fixed personality traits, but this mindset constrains skill development. "Confining your choices to who you've been or currently are prevents you from building a more expansive, multifaceted future self," he cautions.
Stepping beyond familiar territory may feel "awkward and challenging," Chamorro-Premuzic acknowledges, but doing so ultimately expands your professional possibilities.