Authenticity. It’s a word that gets thrown around a lot these days and with good reason. Being authentic isn’t just a feel-good concept or trendy workplace jargon. It’s about aligning how we show up with who we really are.

At its core, authenticity is about being true to ourselves: our values, beliefs, and intentions, rather than performing to fit what we think others want from us. Being authentic can sometimes feel risky, especially at work, but when we express ourselves in ways that reflect who we are, we build deeper trust, stronger relationships, and more open communication. It becomes easier to speak with clarity and conviction because we mean what we say.

But what does it really mean to be authentic at work? Does it give us license to say whatever we’re thinking or to act on every feeling in the name of “being real”?

Not quite.

 

Authenticity ≠ Saying Whatever You Like

Let’s be clear. Authenticity is not an excuse for poor behaviour. Being “authentically rude” is not something any of us should aspire to especially in the workplace. Being authentic doesn’t mean expressing every thought or feeling with no filters. It means being honest and open whilst being respectful, sensitive to context, and aware of our impact on others.

If we’re perceived as withholding information, being disingenuous, or behaving inconsistently, people won’t trust us, even if they can’t put their finger on why. On the other hand, when we communicate with genuine intent, and our words and actions are aligned with our values, others can sense that. And that’s when authentic expression starts to build real personal and professional credibility.

 

So, How Do You Express Yourself Authentically?

The short answer is to pay attention. The long answer is to pay more attention than you usually do.
Authentic expression starts with active listening: really tuning in to the people and the environment around you. Workplace conversations aren’t just about saying what’s on your mind. They’re about engaging with the thoughts, challenges, and emotions of others.

Different situations call for different approaches. Sometimes it’s right to speak up; other times, it’s better to hold back and listen. Developing the judgement to know which is which comes from paying attention: not just to what’s being said, but to the subtleties behind the words. Tone of voice. Body language. Timing. Even silence.

Our ability to express ourselves effectively depends on how well we first understand what’s going on around us.

 

The Power (and Limits) of Attention

Attention is a precious and limited resource. Despite what we might like to believe, we can’t actually focus on everything at once. Our brains are wired to filter out competing stimuli and focus only on what we deem most relevant in the moment.

That’s why so many important cues can get missed in meetings or one-to-ones—especially when phones ring, emails ping, or we’re mentally rehearsing what we’re going to say next instead of truly listening.

When attention suffers, communication suffers. We misread signals. We misunderstand each other. Trust breaks down. And ironically, even when we do speak, we’re less likely to be properly heard, let alone believed.

So if we want to express ourselves authentically, we have to start by creating the right conditions. Environments that support focus. Moments of real presence. And a mindset that tunes into the whole picture, not just the words.

 

Aligning with Your Values

When what we say matches how we feel and what we believe, it resonates more strongly with other people. Tuning into your own values and beliefs is critical. Your values act as your internal compass, helping you decide what to say, how to say it, and when to say it. The more aware you are of your values, the more confidently you can express yourself and the more trustworthy you appear to those around you.

But expressing yourself authentically doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens in conversations with real people, real dynamics, and real consequences. That’s where a framework like STREETCREDS^® can be helpful.

 

Building an Authentic Conversational Culture with STREETCREDS^®

The STREETCREDS^® Framework is designed to help leaders and teams create the kind of workplace where real, effective conversations can thrive. At its heart lies the Savvy Seesaw, a metaphor for balancing the need to Get Results with the need to Maintain Relationships.

Within this framework are six factors represented by the acronym STREET—that support an authentic communications culture:

• Safe: People feel psychologically safe to speak up without fear of judgment or retaliation.
• Trusting: There’s a shared willingness to be open, genuine, and act with integrity.
• Relational: People interact with positive intent and a commitment to each other and the organisation.
• Emotionally Intelligent: Emotions are acknowledged and managed to enable thoughtful, productive dialogue.
• Expressive: Individuals can communicate their thoughts and feelings in a way that benefits both themselves and the wider team.
• Truthful: Honesty is valued, and constructive challenge is encouraged as part of high-performing teamwork.

When all of these factors are present, the workplace becomes a space where people can speak honestly, listen actively, and build the kind of trust that drives performance and collaboration.

 

The Five Cogs of a Great Conversation: CREDS

To put these factors into practice, STREETCREDS^® also offers a practical model for everyday conversations, whether you’re giving feedback, resolving conflict, or navigating tricky dynamics. The CREDS Conversational Model^TM outlines the five essential cogs that make workplace communication flow smoothly:

• Candid: Say what you mean honestly and transparently, even when that’s hard.
• Respectful: Speak with kindness, politeness, and consideration for others.
• Engaging: Make it a two-way conversation where everyone feels heard and involved.
• Directional: Keep things moving. Ensure conversations have purpose and aim.
• Sensitive: Be attuned to timing, emotions, and the needs of others in the moment.

Like cogs in a machine, each of these elements must work together for the conversation to go brilliantly. And just with any good machine, you should dial each cog up or down depending on the person, context, or issue at hand.

 

Final Thoughts: It Starts with You

If you want more authentic communication, start with yourself. Pay attention. Listen deeply. Tune into your values. Express yourself clearly and respectfully. And create space for others to do the same.

Authenticity isn’t about saying whatever you want. It’s about expressing what’s true in a way that builds trust, encourages openness, and supports both relationships and results.

When you bring more of your authentic self to conversations, you give others permission to do the same. That’s when real change happens and real conversations begin.

Author: Sarah Harvey | Savvy Conversations

Want to learn more?

Check out Savvy Conversations: A practical framework for effective workplace relationships by Sarah Harvey for more tools, techniques, and insights into building a culture of open, authentic communication.

Visit savvyconversations.co.uk or contact [email protected] for leadership coaching, training workshops or workplace mediation.