Belonging invites us to be who we are

Belonging vs. Fitting In: What Does Your Culture Invite?

Does your culture invite belonging? Or is it still about fitting in—just with a new set of norms?

As Brené Brown wisely says, “True belonging doesn’t require us to change who we are; it invites us to be who we are.”

Belonging is about being valued for your authentic self. It’s feeling safe to contribute your unique perspective, knowing it enriches the whole.

Fitting in, by contrast, is about conforming—adapting to meet an unspoken set of expectations, even when they’ve shifted. It’s a surface-level inclusion that prioritises sameness over individuality.

Leaders, ask yourself:

• Are you cultivating a culture where people feel they can bring their full selves to work?
• How are you moving beyond “fitting in” to create a deeper sense of belonging?

Belonging drives connection, trust, and performance. It’s the foundation of cultures worth being part of—and it starts with how you lead.