Changing jobs has preoccupied my thoughts lately. As I posted last week, I’ve pondered if there is a stigma in the legal profession with changing jobs frequently. Now I ask:

 “How much of your personality should you bring to a new position?”

When I left my last position, I was surprised how many folks in their goodbye emails mentioned they’d miss my quirkiness. Me quirky? Was it the funny hats I’d occasionally don for meetings? The unusual pets? Or that I felt comfortable enough to share (inflict?) my personality on my colleagues at all?

I suppose on reflection I’m not a typical straight-laced lawyer – whatever that may be. I like to make the workplace a little bit silly when appropriate. But is it healthy for the employee and/or the workplace to bring your personality or complete self to work?

Gail Golden MBA, Ph.D. argues that your whole self doesn’t belong in the workplace. In her Psychology Today article, Why It’s a Bad Idea to Bring Your Whole Self to Work, she states:

But, honestly, your whole self does not belong in the workplace. My point of view is that in the workplace, we are there to work. All the parts of ourselves that enable us to get the job done with efficiency and excellence, both through our own work and by leading others, belong in the workplace. And the rest of who we are should stay home.

She points out several examples of the parts of us that don’t belong at work:

• Sexual feelings for co-workers.
• Strong political or religious beliefs.
• Fears and self-doubts.
• Boredom and laziness.
• Habit of using vulgar language.
• Enjoyment of large quantities of alcohol and other mind-altering substances.

It seems a given that you would know not to behave inappropriately, but is it difficult for some to share a bit without sharing it all? Or to become too comfortable and stop policing our behaviour? Absolutely.

Back to when I left my previous position. A good friend and colleague asked me:

“Are you going to give them the full ‘Melanie’ right away?”

This made me reflect on what parts of me I was bringing to the office and whether the full ‘Melanie’ was a bit too much. I still wore the silly hats but drew a more definite line between my home and work self. And you know what, I felt better and my work relationships were healthier for it.

The article ends with the following ‘secret’:

Don’t bring your whole self to work. Bring your best self to work. And encourage your people to do the same. That’s the key to harmonious relationships, top-quality work, and the satisfaction that comes from a job well done.

Agreed. But the real secret is introspection to determine what constitutes your best self. If any of you have figured out that secret, please let me know.