Why you should be less professional at work

"Nobody sitting with perfect posture in a room of button-down shirts, looking at a slide that says "leverage strategic capabilities," is doing their best work. They're just not. You know what they're doing instead? They're nodding pleasantly, wondering the last time they went to the bathroom, and trying to figure out when to jump into the conversation with an agreeable, jargon-filled platitude. This is good for no one."

"This kind of "performative professionalism" is harming how we're perceived, but it also harms our ability to truly connect with others. No doubt, connection is critical for business performance. Gallup's research shows that employees with a best friend at work are significantly more likely to engage customers and internal partners, get more done in less time, support a safe workplace, innovate and share ideas, and have fun while at work."

Performative professionalism—formal posture, scripted politeness, jargon, and dressing to blend in—reduces authentic contribution and diminishes workplace performance. Research shows unnecessary language complexity correlates with lower judged intelligence, so heavy jargon can make speakers seem less competent. Genuine interpersonal connection strongly boosts engagement, productivity, safety, innovation, idea-sharing, and enjoyment at work. High rates of loneliness among Americans increase the importance of fostering real workplace friendships. Conforming behaviors that mute individuality hinder both perception and meaningful collaboration, preventing teams from doing their best work.

Read at Fast Company