Being Your Authentic Self – ‘Self Limiting Beliefs’
Black Voice of Social Work Discussion Group
Last week, over 20 colleagues from across our partnership came together for a rich and heartfelt discussion group. Centred on themes of identity, authenticity, and systemic change, the session offered a space where participants could delve into deeply personal and professional challenges. These groups have become widely recognised as safe spaces for open and honest dialogue, fostering trust and empowerment within the social work profession.
The questions guiding our discussion prompted profound introspection and collaboration:
- What is that thing you have on your person that tells me about your culture, heritage, identity: You?
- What can we do to address self-limiting beliefs at work?
- What prevents us from being our authentic selves?
- How do we make change?
- How do we support Social Workers from a Global Majority to tackle their imposter syndrome?
- Is there a platform for Black Male and Female Social Workers to emotionally and mentally feel safe?
Key Themes from the Discussion
1. Struggles with Authenticity and Self-Limiting Beliefs
Participants explored the tension between their personal identities and the professional personas they feel compelled to adopt. The inability to be fully authentic, often influenced by societal expectations, gender, or religious beliefs, resonated deeply.
One colleague posed a striking question: “How many times have you gone to an interview and given an answer that is not authentic?” This highlighted how self-limiting beliefs and external pressures can compel individuals to conform to expectations, suppressing their true selves.
The group acknowledged the immense emotional toll of carrying these burdens over a lifetime. Taking ownership of self-limiting beliefs emerged as a critical step forward: “Take responsibility for your own limiting beliefs; don’t project that onto management.”
2. Power Dynamics and Societal Pressures
The discussion illuminated the significant role of power dynamics in limiting authenticity. For Black men in particular, the fear of being judged or misunderstood often leads to remaining in the background as a safety mechanism.
One poignant comment was: “Black men will stay in the background purposely to keep safe.” This demonstrated the layers of complexity in navigating both professional and personal identities in a society that frequently marginalises their voices.
3. The Emotional Toll and the Need for Change
The cumulative impact of these challenges was described as exhausting. As one participant noted, “I am fatigued with this stuff; it’s been the same things and the same conversations for decades.”
Yet, there was also a clear recognition that true change requires collective effort and leadership. A commitment to owning unconscious biases and fostering inclusive environments was seen as essential for progress: “Change doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Make the vision very clear; everyone needs to own it.”
4. Safe Spaces and Empowerment
The group reaffirmed the vital importance of creating spaces where honesty and authenticity can thrive. These gatherings offer a rare opportunity to shed professional facades and connect as individuals.
As one attendee expressed, “There is something about this group where I do feel like I can be myself and be honest.” Empowering colleagues to embrace their passions and authentic voices was celebrated as a crucial step toward fostering personal and professional growth.
Moving Forward
This session left us all with “lots of food for thought and continued discussion in our personal and professional lives.” While the journey to authenticity and systemic change remains ongoing, these safe spaces are a powerful foundation. By engaging in honest dialogue, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting one another as we challenge self-limiting beliefs, dismantle societal barriers, and collectively embrace change.
As social workers, our ability to be authentic and support others in doing the same is not just an individual responsibility—it is a shared commitment to the communities we serve. Let us continue these conversations and work towards a future where every voice is valued, and every identity is celebrated.
Make sure to join the conversation, our next groups are:
- Thursday, 16th January 2025
- Thursday, 20th March 2025
