If you feel you have a choice about where you work, you can confidently express yourself in the workplace, and take charge of your own career development

The pressures to be someone other than who we really are can sometimes run high in the workplace.

Business etiquette, hierarchy and company politics may lead us to swallow our initial impulses, filter our communications, and tolerate more than we might otherwise be willing to do in our personal lives.

Despite the challenges, here are a few tips for having the confidence to be yourself in the workplace.

Make sure you're doing what you enjoy

If your heart is in your work, then your ability to tolerate the challenges will be higher, as will be your commitment to your role and the organization.

Never compromise your values

Know what you will and will not tolerate.

Be assertive when your needs and interests are getting compromised.

Create internal and external contacts

Create relationships with important contacts both within and outside the organization.

As your career progresses, these individuals can provide you with guidance and direction as well as support and networking opportunity.

Build personal relationships to support your social needs.

Proactively manage your performance as well as your career

Take charge of your performance feedback.

Request feedback regularly and share accomplishments constantly.

Assert yourself regarding your career development needs and continue to seek development opportunities.

Continually evaluate your options

Continually assess whether your professional growth needs are being met by the organization.

Keep an eye out on the market to assess your options.

Know when it's time to say goodbye

Recognize the factors that indicate you may have outgrown your organization. Communicate your needs.

If the organization can no longer meet them, then, tap into your contacts and confidently move on.