Personal Business

At Morgan Stanley, my claim to fame was doing calisthenics in the office, jumping jacks, tuck-and-rolls, even a headstand one conference room birthday celebration. At Register.com, I fist pump during promising biz dev calls and shout the wrong lyrics to songs across the office.

Am I self-sabotaging or improving morale? Clearly, I’d prefer to think the latter, but the first question is the one I think more professionals struggle with. Can I really just be myself at work? Can I express my emotions, be “out there,” and still be taken seriously.

I believe the answer is yes, but it’s a delicate balance between self-expression and professional demeanor. My personal rule for sharing my true self: keep it positive.

People respond to emotion. Even in a business setting, as much as we try to insulate ourselves against others’ ups and down, it sticks. During the work day, our input filters are working hard; we only take in the very narrowest amount of stimulus. The vast majority of the noises, fine print, overheard conversations that wash over us do not penetrate our conscious attention but do nonetheless affect us. So if I’m going to draw attention to myself and penetrate my coworkers’ filters, I want that impression to be a positive one.

Is Office Me Real Me? Probably not. I choose my moments and pay attention to my surroundings to know when to tone it down. But I like to get pumped up, and life’s too short not to share the love. My advice: go for that tuck-and-roll.