I have a lot of experience with not being myself. When you are not yourself, it means you are not letting your true self shine. For example, we tell people with a tell-it-like-it-is personality that they’re too much. So, they hold themselves back and don’t say what they believe.

When people act inauthentically, it is often the result of a societal expectation they believe exists. Sometimes they’re real expectations, but it’s just a story they’re telling themselves too many times.

People will be at their best when they act authentically. For example, an introvert will be at their best when they have time to think. An extrovert will be at their best when they can talk through things.

Do the people you lead believe they have the freedom to be themselves? If not, start by finding out what has them feeling otherwise, make it safe to let their true selves shine, and watch what happens next.

You’ve got this.