The Work Debate: Should you be your true self, or more professional?

(Spoiler: It's both, here's how)

The internet loves a good debate, and lately, the conversation around 'being yourself' versus 'professionalism' in the workplace has taken centre stage. You see one side championed on platforms like Instagram, urging complete transparency, and another on LinkedIn, advocating for a highly polished, traditional façade.

It’s easy to feel like you have to pick a lane. But what if we told you it's a false choice?

At She Consults, we believe you can, and should, do both. The secret isn't in choosing a side; it’s in mastering how you communicate your unique point of view.

Redefining the two sides

First, let's step away from the noise. For us, 'being yourself' simply means respecting your core values, your expertise, and therefore, your unique perspective. That is the source of the value you bring to your business and your clients.

And professionalism is not a mask; it’s about consistently delivering value with competence, and respect. It’s about having a structure that enables your personal skills to shine.

The perceived conflict only appears when we confuse the substance of who we are with the style of how we deliver it.

Your unique knowledge is the substance. Your communication is the style.

The Missing Link: Intentional Communication

If your core value is being yourself, then your greatest tool is how you communicate it. This is where the 'marketing yourself' idea comes into play. Being yourself is non-negotiable, but how you express that self needs to be intentional.

You are one expert, but you need to adjust your lens for different scenarios.

• A quick, engaging story shared in a Teams meeting requires a different rhythm than a structured, data-driven strategy proposal for a new client.

  
  

• A concise, supportive comment on a colleague’s LinkedIn post will have a different tone than a formal meeting agenda you send ahead of a critical review.

In all these examples,, you are still the same knowledgeable expert with the same point of view. You are simply adjusting your tone, word choice, and format to resonate with the specific audience and purpose.

Mastering this transition, from the casual chat to the boardroom presentation, is the mark of a powerful communicator. It’s not about changing who you are; it’s about showing respect for the environment and the people in it by communicating effectively.

Consistency Over Conformity

Your personal flair - your humour, your unique way of seeing a problem, your genuine passion - doesn't need to be hidden; it just needs to be channelled through a filter.

The goal isn't to conform; it’s to be consistent in your core message. Whether you're in a casual team meeting or negotiating a major deal, your integrity, your expertise, and your commitment to the client's success should remain perfectly clear. That is the essence of your professional self.

When your communication is straightforward, informative, and delivered with a warm, welcoming energy (our go-to at She Consults!), you bridge the gap naturally. You're not being insincere; you're being effective.

Stop trying to choose between being a person and being a professional. You are already both. Your power lies in your ability to be yourself while being smart about how you share your point of view.

If you’re ready to define a communication and brand strategy that allows your genuine expertise to shine through in every professional context, She Consults is here to help you structure that plan.

Let's make your unique perspective your greatest asset.