Don't Be Yourself
Why Authenticity Is Overrated (and What to Do Instead)
Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic author
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Harvard Business Review Press
Publishing:7th Oct '25
£23.00
This title is due to be published on 7th October, and will be despatched as soon as possible.
The surprising science of why being authentic holds you back—from the author of Why Do So Many Incompetent Men Become Leaders?
"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.
Advance Praise for Don't Be Yourself:
"With his unique blend of insight and irreverence, Tomas illuminates why we should not chase the illusive and ultimately problematic notion of authenticity but rather cultivate respect, openness, compromise, and commitment to something greater than ourselves. I wish I had written this book!" — Amy Edmondson, Novartis Professor of Leadership and Management, Harvard Business School
"A wonderfully refreshing read that cuts through the slogans and fads to get to the science and substance." — Julia Gillard, former Prime Minister of Australia
"If you're tired of cookie-cutter life hacks or leadership advice and ready for something that works in the real world, this entertaining, witty, and authoritative book deserves a prime spot on your desk." — Ilya Bonic, President, Global Career and Head of Strategy, Mercer
"Few books truly challenge the mantras we live by—and this book is one of them. Don't Be Yourself reveals the hidden costs of blind authenticity worship and offers a smarter, more socially attuned approach to navigating identity. An eye-opening read." — Sandra Matz, author, Mindmasters: The Data-Driven Science of Predicting and Changing Human Behavior
"With his signature mix of data and wit, Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic exposes the popular perversion of the lifelong quest to be ourselves and instead proposes changing, performing, and staying close and open to others." — Gianpiero Petriglieri, Professor of Organizational Behavior, INSEAD
"This book dismantles the authenticity myth through compelling research and insightful analysis. An enlightening read for those ready to evolve." — Stefan Salzer, Global Head of Human Resources, Red Bull
ISBN: 9781647829834
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
256 pages