Don't Be Yourself
Why Authenticity Is Overrated (and What to Do Instead)
By Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic | Publisher: Harvard Business Review
About the book
\"Just be yourself\" might be the worst advice you've ever received.
For years, we've been told that authenticity is the key to success--that we should be true to ourselves, tune out others' opinions, and lead with unwavering genuineness. This feel-good message has spawned countless self-help books, leadership seminars, and viral social media posts.
There's just one problem: science says it's wrong.
Drawing on decades of research, renowned psychologist Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic reveals an uncomfortable truth: our obsession with authenticity is backfiring. From Silicon Valley's authenticity worship to failed diversity programs, he exposes how our fixation on our \"true selves\" undermines both individual and organizational success.
The most successful people aren't those who rigidly \"stay true to themselves.\" They're the ones who adapt and evolve, largely by paying a great deal of attention to how others see them and adjusting their behavior to the requirements of each situation. The evidence is clear: when we focus less on expressing our authentic selves and more on understanding others, we become better humans.
Blending the latest revelations in psychology with razor-sharp cultural critique, Don't Be Yourself doesn't just challenge conventional wisdom--it offers a playbook for long-lasting career success.
Editions of Don't Be Yourself
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9781647829834
- EBook
- ISBN 9781647829841
Read an Excerpt
\"Just be yourself\" might be the worst advice you've ever received.
For years, we've been told that authenticity is the key to success--that we should be true to ourselves, tune out others' opinions, and lead with unwavering genuineness. This feel-good message has spawned countless self-help books, leadership seminars, and viral social media posts.
There's just one problem: science says it's wrong.
Drawing on decades of research, renowned psychologist Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic reveals an uncomfortable truth: our obsession with authenticity is backfiring. From Silicon Valley's authenticity worship to failed diversity programs, he exposes how our fixation on our \"true selves\" undermines both individual and organizational success.
The most successful people aren't those who rigidly \"stay true to themselves.\" They're the ones who adapt and evolve, largely by paying a great deal of attention to how others see them and adjusting their behavior to the requirements of each situation. The evidence is clear: when we focus less on expressing our authentic selves and more on understanding others, we become better humans.
Blending the latest revelations in psychology with razor-sharp cultural critique, Don't Be Yourself doesn't just challenge conventional wisdom--it offers a playbook for long-lasting career success.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Don't Be Yourself about?
\"Just be yourself\" might be the worst advice you've ever received.
For years, we've been told that authenticity is the key to success--that we should be true to ourselves, tune out others' opinions, and lead with unwavering genuineness. This feel-good message has spawned countless self-help books, leadership seminars, and viral social media posts.
There's just one problem: science says it's wrong.
Drawing on decades of research, renowned psychologist Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic reveals an uncomfortable truth: our obsession with authenticity is backfiring. From Silicon Valley's authenticity worship to failed diversity programs, he exposes how our fixation on our \"true selves\" undermines both individual and organizational success.
The most successful people aren't those who rigidly \"stay true to themselves.\" They're the ones who adapt and evolve, largely by paying a great deal of attention to how others see them and adjusting their behavior to the requirements of each situation. The evidence is clear: when we focus less on expressing our authentic selves and more on understanding others, we become better humans.
Blending the latest revelations in psychology with razor-sharp cultural critique, Don't Be Yourself doesn't just challenge conventional wisdom--it offers a playbook for long-lasting career success.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Don't Be Yourself?
Health, Relationships and Personal development > Self-help, personal development and practical advice > Advice on careers and achieving success
Where can I read a sample of Don't Be Yourself?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781647829834
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Don't Be Yourself?
Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Don't Be Yourself is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781647829834) and ebook(ISBN 9781647829841)
Where can I buy Don't Be Yourself online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Don't Be Yourself from below
Where can I buy Don't Be Yourself?