The Authenticity Paradox | Professor Herminia Ibarra | TEDxLondonBusinessSchool

“Be authentic” — that’s what organizations, brands and people keep being told. But too often, following that advice can limit us, especially at work, says Herminia Ibarra, professor of organizational behavior. She proposes an expansive way to think about authenticity, one that will ensure we keep growing.

Herminia Ibarra is the Charles Handy Professor of Organizational Behavior at London Business School. Prior to joining LBS, she served on the INSEAD and Harvard Business School faculties. An authority on leadership and career development, Thinkers 50 ranks Ibarra among the most influential management thinkers in the world. Her most recent book, Act Like a Leader, Think Like a Leader (Harvard Business, 2015), explains how to step up to a bigger leadership role. She received her Ph.D. from Yale University, where she was a National Science Fellow. "The Authenticity Paradox: Who am I when I’m changing?

Who doesn’t want to be authentic? But, a simplistic understanding of what authenticity means hinders growth and limits our impact. Learning, by definition, starts with unnatural and often superficial behaviors that can make us feel calculating, instead of genuine and spontaneous, and we latch onto authenticity as an excuse for sticking with what’s comfortable. But, the moments that
most challenge our sense of self are also the ones that can teach us the most. By viewing ourselves as works in progress and evolving our professional identities through trial and error, we can develop in ways that both feel right to us and suit our changing circumstances.

[ladylea]

I needed this talk so much. The speaker not only presented her speech effectively, she was gentle in untangling the authentic/professional paradigm. I needed this so bad.

[valentinainspires]

You got me wow!" at the end ..Being authentic is basically to be your child Self, open to try new things, open to learn, experimenting anything we want without being attached to our "personality".

[hackthedots]

This is such a great point to make on the authenticity- and acknowledgement that "what got you here, won't get you there!". I've also read the "Act like a leader, think like a leader"- there are some great tips, insights, backed with research and specific steps we can take. As someone who is passionate about diversity and inclusion, I think that this take on authenticity and our careers development is so useful and eyes opening! Thank you!

[stuart]

ted is the best place for comedy. thanks so much.

[Betcaligarcia]

Wonderful ! I’m that playful educator and always feel terrible that I spend so much time “playing” with new methods and strategies - I think about engagement first and then what I need to teach. I have really good days and really bad days in the classroom, but I’ve learned that in my highs and lows my students are content on riding the rollercoaster.

[بطرسيعقوب-كي]

Authenticity is a great value every body needs. A great topic!

[Discipalgoodmusic]

I needed This. I’m exactly at that moment . Thank you

[allesgutnatur]

Amazing!!!! I love the play vs work analogy and how it relates to becoming steiffled onto one personality or going with the flow and being playful. Very powerful

[lemonyarch]

Excellently said. I've been definitely trying to think my way through it, and haven't been able to come to a conclusion. Hence the paradox. But this has been really helpful for me. Thank you!

[ComCJ]

Brazilian loved and respected professor in the whole word, Paulo Freire, talks a lot of lots of things I just listened to, in a very beautiful way. In result, we as teachers are educated in a trully authentic, loving, polithical and human bases. Salve, Paulo Freire!

[MoneyGist]

There's a very interesting quote from a 2005 rom-com (Hitch) that goes, "'You' is a very fluid concept right now."

Speaks to me right now.

[steezmonster]

A friend and I were in deep conversation and got stuck here. Thanks Herminia for the open-minded viewpoint.

[muskduh]

she's a great speaker. very calm and direct.

[richp]

Great talk! I had low expectations coming in and this far exceeded what I expected.

[deryasefer]

"If you seek authenticity for authenticity's sake you are no longer authentic."

Jean-Paul Sartre

[lucifermorningstar]

What got you here wasn't a choice. What gets you to where you want to go is.
So to be authentic in that state of mind would be to always accept the cards dealt to you and do your best with them until that round is over, so on and so fourth.

[abiolafalusi]

I love this ... authenticity = fast prototyping yourself (are you your historical self or learning self )

[NeoNorr]

really fascinated by how it changed her teaching!

[katrinapurser]

I have to say I was a bit perturbed by the use of the words “bozo” and “idiots” when describing the thoughts of another person, as though it was known that this person was thinking judgmentally in such a way. Additionally, it seems as though it’s suggested that being authentic means being stagnant and stubborn in your identity, too which I don’t agree. I think you can be authentically yourself and still grow and expand your personality and personal attributes. Authenticity does not mean there can be no change.

[nathanma]

Her book "act like a leader, think like a leader" is worth reading too.