Worklife with Adam Grant cover image

Trevor Noah on the importance of context

Worklife with Adam Grant

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The Problem with 'Be Yourself'

The advice to 'be yourself' is flawed for two main reasons. Firstly, it overlooks the context in which a person expresses themselves; behaviors acceptable in one setting may not be appropriate in another, especially for individuals in positions of authority who have a responsibility to lead effectively rather than simply showcase their unfiltered selves. Secondly, the notion of a stable 'self' is questionable, as it assumes a universal definition of 'being oneself' that may not align with everyone's perception. This perspective can lead to misunderstandings and undesirable outcomes, suggesting that adapting to social cues and the context is often more beneficial than adhering strictly to the idea of being oneself.

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