We are not clones. We are living, breathing, complex characters - each one of us different. Yet at work we stifle who we really are, as we feel we need to conform to corporate expectation.
I've heard many people say they're quite sweary, but not at work or I really wanted to make a joke, but not in a meeting.
As someone without a filter, I can't say this is something I've ever suffered from. I frequently turn the air blue, especially when dealing with IT issues. And have told male colleagues that we all get the subtext of they're saying (talking about their appendage).
I've heard people saying they didn't feel comfortable going to the pub with their manager or kept their sexuality under wraps.
We work 40 hours a week in the same place, with the same people. That's a long time of keeping a mask on and hiding who you are. It must be exhausting.
A wise friend once said to me that I got to where I am while being 100% me - sweary, occasionally inappropriate, party girl, sometimes belligerent and always disruptive.
I talk to directors the same way I talk to interns. I've sat on a table with senior people and ask them which celebrity they'd most like to have sex with (the answers were enlightening and I got a lot more than I bargained for).
It humanises people, breaks down barriers and builds rapport. You don't need to reveal all the sordid details of your past or give a blow by blow account of your bodily fluids, but feel comfortable showing your personality.
Just like in life, people may or may not like you, but you're there to do a job and they have to put up with it regardless.
As long as you stick to the codes of conduct and you're not causing offence to the people around you, be you.
Unless you're a whacky person. In which, please keep that to yourself.
