366. The Costs and Benefits of Standing Out: A Conversation with Deesha Dyer
Oct 31, 2024
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Deesha Dyer, former White House Social Secretary and author of "Undiplomatic," shares her inspiring journey from community college to the Obama administration. She discusses the challenges of embracing authenticity in tough settings and the balance between self-expression and societal norms. Deesha highlights the importance of inclusive leadership that encourages vulnerability and addressing biases in the workplace. The conversation also delves into how conflict can foster growth, especially for women leaders, emphasizing the power of constructive disagreement.
Authenticity involves evolving with experiences and requires navigating the complexities of personal identity in difficult environments.
High-pressure settings like the White House highlight the benefits and challenges of embracing non-traditional approaches while fostering inclusion.
Deep dives
The Journey to Authenticity
Authenticity is understood as living in truth, evolving with experiences, and adapting to circumstances rather than being static. The idea that one must remain unchanged in different situations can lead to feelings of being trapped and hinder personal growth. Embracing the belief that one's authentic self can shift and grow with time allows for a more dynamic and liberated approach to self-identity. Thus, the focus should be on understanding motivations behind actions and recognizing when an environment is not conducive to being one’s true self.
Navigating the Political Landscape
The unique experiences of working in high-pressure settings like the White House illustrate the challenges and opportunities present in structured environments. Individuals may experience conflicting emotions, feeling both out of place while also having the opportunity to innovate. The ability to introduce non-traditional approaches in formal settings demonstrates the value of diverse perspectives and personal authenticity. Nevertheless, these individuals must also confront the reality that their authenticity might lead to exclusion from certain social circles or professional events.
Empowering Leadership and Personal Growth
Leaders should invest in self-reflection to understand their own biases and impact on their teams, creating an inclusive atmosphere that encourages authenticity. Equal accountability within organizations is crucial, ensuring that harmful behaviors are addressed consistently, promoting a safe work environment. Supporting employees’ growth even when they choose to leave for better opportunities fosters a culture where individuals feel valued beyond their contribution to the company. Moreover, leaders need to accept healthy conflict as part of the growth process, paving the way for deeper engagement and authenticity in the workplace.
How often do you feel like you’re concealing the “real” you? Do you struggle with being your authentic self, especially in challenging environments? “Authenticity” has become a very popular buzzword -- but what does it really mean?
This week, I’m joined by Deesha Dyer, former White House Social Secretary and author of the book, "Undiplomatic: How My Attitude Created the Best Kind of Trouble". Deesha shares her incredible journey from going to community college at 29-years-old to working up the ranks in the Obama White House, and the challenges she faced along the way in staying true to herself. We discuss how to navigate being your authentic self in difficult environments - especially if you hold one or more marginalized identities - and the true costs and benefits of standing out.