Unhiding at Work: Belonging vs Fitting In

Nov 24

The modern workplace now contains an unprecedented five generations of workers, with very different ideas about leadership and the importance of authenticity. In the last few years we have experienced The Great Resignation, Quiet Quitting and the rise of employees at all levels leaving their 9 to 5 to start their own business.

In this episode of ADHD-ish, I welcome returning guest Ruth Rathblott to discuss these challenges and the need for self-awareness and connection in the workplace.

Many of us are hiding and others might be sharing too much. What are the rules and how do we know what to do if what we want is to feel safe, do our best work and experience genuine belonging?

In this empowering episode, Ruth and I talk about the transformation that occurs when people start "unhiding"—openly sharing their stories and building stronger, more authentic connections. This mutual sharing not only creates a sense of belonging but can also significantly reduce feelings of isolation and burnout, issues all too common in the modern workplace.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

Generational Leadership: How younger workers demand for transparency is reshaping traditional leadership styles.

Strategic Hiding: The delicate balance of revealing personal aspects at work while ensuring safety and authenticity.

The Framework of Hiding: Ruth explains her four types of “hiders”, breaking down the different ways we hide, and why we do so

Psychological Safety: We break down the importance of fostering environments where authenticity thrives and human connections deepen.

Mentioned in this episode: The Big Leap

Who is Ruth Rathblott?

Ruth Rathblott is a TedX and keynote speaker, DEI consultant and best selling author and advocate. Her work is both deeply personal and also universal. Born with a limb difference, Ruth learned to hide in high school and continued to do so for 25 years, until realizing the true cost of “fitting in” instead of genuinely belonging.

Ruth and I both have a Masters Degree in social work, love margaritas and Mexican food and travel and share the belief that diversity and inclusivity enriches all of our lives.

Want to connect with Ruth Rathblott?

Website - LinkedIn - Instagram - Ruth’s TedX Talk - Ruth’s New Book

Ruth’s first interview with me

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unhidingauthenticitygenuine connections