NEW YORK — Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, a professor of business psychology at University College London and an adjunct professor at Columbia University, has published the book ‘Don’t Be Yourself: Why Authenticity Is Overrated (and What to Do Instead).’ In it, he argues that behavioral adaptability in professional settings is more valuable than expressing one’s authentic self.

"Feeling authentic does not equate to being perceived as talented or competent by others," Chamorro-Premuzic writes. "Despite the subjective benefits of authenticity, being true to ourselves does not translate into being better colleagues or leaders." Instead, he emphasizes adjusting behavior to meet situational demands and the needs of others.

His perspective aligns with broader workplace discourse. A 2023 University of Reading-led meta-analysis of 55 studies found that self-monitoring—managing one’s impression to others—was associated with greater leadership effectiveness for both tasks and relationship-building. Billionaire investor Marc Andreessen echoed a similar view in 2024, saying employees should “leave your full self at home where it belongs and act like a professional and a grownup at work and in public.”

Other voices have also challenged workplace authenticity. Former U.S. Secret Service agent Evy Poumpouras argued that bringing one’s authentic self to work can inhibit teamwork. Pamela Paul wrote in 2022 that efforts to create an “authentic” workplace often contradict the primary purpose of work for many: earning a paycheck. Jodi-Ann Burey, in her 2025 book ‘Authentic: The Myth of Bringing Your Full Self to Work,’ called workplace authenticity a myth, noting that systems often penalize women and people of color who deviate from established norms.

Chamorro-Premuzic concluded that navigating the balance between self-expression and professional demands requires psychological maturity. An excerpt from his book was adapted for Harvard Business Review online.