Navigating Workplace Dynamics: The masks we wear
The masquerade ball of leadership is all about the masks—sometimes they’re necessary to navigate the room, but it’s worth recognizing when hiding behind them helps you thrive and when it keeps you from being truly seen.
In Machiavelli for Women, NPR host Stacy Vanek Smith draws on Machiavelli’s timeless principles from The Prince. For any woman in business, Smith provides a pragmatic guide for navigating power dynamics, negotiating authority, and advancing in the modern workplace with intention and strategy.
Reflecting on my experience across nearly two decades in corporate plodding (successful by many standards) and now almost three years of entrepreneurship, I find Machiavelli’s teaching of game theory relevant. Authenticity, often celebrated as a cornerstone of leadership, is not always a currency valued in professional settings. Instead, the workplace often resembles a chessboard, where strategy and adaptability are critical. Success frequently depends less on raw talent or intellect and more on the ability to navigate the subtle interplay of power, perception, and Relationships.
Do you wear a “mask” professionally? Are you hoping to remain competitive in the workplace? Is playing the part a strategy to protect your mental and emotional well-being while playing this corporate nuanced game?
The Masks We Wear at Work
1. “I Agree” Mask
Mental Dynamics: Adopting a mask of agreement—whether in team meetings, budget discussions, or strategic planning sessions—can often feel robotic. Disagreeing with the consensus or questioning decisions made in a vacuum can lead to concerns about being perceived as combative or uncooperative. It’s difficult to bit your tongue, especially when those decisions contradict your values or expertise.
Physical Manifestations: The “I Agree” mask often presents itself through nodding, diligent note-taking, or signaling alignment outwardly, even when internal doubts persist.
Protection Strategies: While acquiescing in the moment, document your input, recommendations, and results. This creates a record of your contributions and serves as a safeguard if outcomes are questioned later.
2. “Stuff Down My Emotions” Mask
Mental Dynamics: Emotional restraint is often a workplace expectation, even in the face of personal challenges or workplace frustrations. Anger, fear, or Anxiety can accumulate like a “backpack of rocks,” creating emotional and physical strain.
Physical Manifestations: Suppressing emotions can lead to physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach issues, or tension, which may silently undermine performance and well-being.
Protection Strategies: When possible, schedule personal time to process emotions—whether by journaling in private, seeking solitude, or calling in sick when needed. Recognize that emotions demand acknowledgment, even if the workplace is not a safe space for expression.
3. “I’m Interviewing Elsewhere” Mask
Mental Dynamics: Quiet quitting or actively seeking new opportunities can shift one’s focus from current responsibilities to LinkedIn updates, networking, and interview prep.
Physical Manifestations: This mask often leads to disengagement, with professionals physically present in meetings but mentally preoccupied with their exit strategy.
Protection Strategies: Given the slower hiring timelines for senior-level roles, it’s wise to approach career transitions with patience and contingency planning. Even as you seek external opportunities, identify short-term goals within your current role to sustain engagement and mitigate professional risks.
4. “I’m Burnt Out” Mask
Mental Dynamics: Burnout can manifest as mental fog, decreased motivation, and a sense of detachment. These symptoms often stem from unsustainable workloads, misaligned values, or external Caregiving responsibilities.
Physical Manifestations: Burnout can mimic symptoms of clinical Depression, including exhaustion, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.
Protection Strategies: If you have strong standing within your organization, consider requesting a sabbatical, extended leave, or reduced workload. Alternatively, engage with tools such as Coaching, Therapy, or structured self-reflection to evaluate whether your current role aligns with your long-term goals.
Balancing Authenticity with Strategy
A lesson my nieces taught me about tattoos provides a fitting metaphor: just as asking about someone’s tattoos can tread into personal territory, workplace authenticity should be approached thoughtfully. Authentic opinions and perspectives are valuable, but they are not always welcome in environments that prioritize results over dissent.
Organizations often reward problem-solvers and those who navigate challenges with discretion, rather than individuals who openly critique strategies or decisions. Similarly, leaders may operate with their own burdens, making them less receptive to generalized discussions or dissent. This doesn’t mean abandoning authenticity but rather practicing selective transparency and applying strategy to maintain alignment with your goals.
Taking Control of Your Narrative
Operating behind masks of disillusionment, burnout, or disengagement is unsustainable. Drawing from Machiavelli’s principles, reclaiming agency involves a combination of pragmatism and self-preservation. This includes building strategic alliances, maintaining a solutions-oriented mindset, and recognizing when and where to share your authentic self.
Ultimately, the key lies in designing solutions for your professional challenges—whether that means creating opportunities within your current role or positioning yourself for a strategic exit. The workplace may be a game of power and perception, but it’s also one where intentional action can shape outcomes and, ultimately, your future.