How personality impacts work performance and career success

Do the transitions between months leave you pondering with questions or finding clarity?? Are you someone who holds on to memories or one who embraces change??

Is it likely that your temperament plays a role in these tendencies?? And how might these behaviours impact your performance in the workplace?

Let's find out!

Staying Ahead Of The Curve

According to research by Dr Blaine Landis, a UCL School of Management assistant professor, personality plays a vital role in career success.?

“Personality matters for many reasons. One reason has to do with fit; how well a person’s personality fits the job, the team, and the overall organization. Poor fit is a major cause of conflict and turnover,” Landis said. “Personality will affect whether people are hired, promoted, derailed, will help others, be seen as a leader, and so on.”

Personality traits are not the sole predictors of work performance and career success, but they play a significant role in how people approach their work, interact with colleagues, and navigate their career paths.? Here are some ways in which personality can impact work performance and career success:

Conscientiousness: Conscientious individuals tend to be organized, detail-oriented, and responsible. They are often diligent, reliable, and committed to producing high-quality work. Conscientiousness is positively correlated with job performance and can lead to greater productivity and reliability, which can contribute to career advancement and success.

Emotional Intelligence: This is the ability to understand and manage one's own emotions and the emotions of others. People with high emotional intelligence can build strong relationships, communicate effectively, and navigate conflicts in the workplace. Emotional intelligence is linked to leadership skills, teamwork, and overall job performance, which can positively impact career success.

Openness to Experience: Openness is an individual's willingness to explore new ideas, embrace change, and think creatively. People who are open to experience tend to be adaptable, curious, and receptive to learning opportunities. This trait can contribute to innovation, problem-solving, and adaptability in the workplace, enhancing work performance and career growth.

Extraversion: This is a person’s level of sociability, assertiveness, and preference for social interactions. Extraverts often thrive in roles that involve networking, sales, and public speaking. They tend to be outgoing, energized by social interactions, and skilled at building connections. Extraversion can enhance leadership potential and increase visibility, positively impacting career advancement.

Agreeableness: Agreeable individuals are generally cooperative, considerate, and accommodating. They value harmony and are skilled at working collaboratively with others. They contribute to effective teamwork, conflict resolution, and building positive relationships with colleagues. It can contribute to career success, particularly in roles that require strong interpersonal skills.

Ambition and Drive: Ambitious individuals are motivated to set and achieve challenging goals. They are often striving for success and advancement in their careers. They are proactive, take initiative, and seek out opportunities for growth and development. Ambition and drive can lead to high levels of motivation, career progression, and professional achievements.

She Said

Let's delve into the profound perspective on personality traits, behavior, and success as shared by Rosalynn Carter, a renowned American writer, activist, and former first lady of the United States of America.?

• “If you doubt you can accomplish something, then you can't accomplish it. You have to have confidence in your ability, and then be tough enough to follow through”.
• "You must accept that you might fail; then, if you do your best and still don't win, at least you can be satisfied that you've tried. If you don't accept failure as a possibility, you don't set high goals, and you don't branch out, you don't try - you don't take the risk".

Health and Mindfulness

It's important to note that while personality traits can have an impact on health, they do not determine health outcomes on their own.

Here are some ways in which personality traits can impact our health:

Stress Response: Certain personality traits, such as neuroticism or high levels of negative emotionality, can make individuals more prone to experiencing chronic stress. Prolonged stress can have detrimental effects on physical health, including increased risk of cardiovascular problems, weakened immune system, and disrupted sleep patterns.

Coping Mechanisms: Personality traits can shape how individuals cope with stress and adversity. For example, individuals with high levels of conscientiousness and emotional stability may have more effective coping strategies, leading to better stress management and improved health outcomes.

Social Support: Personality traits can affect the quality and availability of social support networks. Individuals with extroverted and agreeable personalities tend to have larger social circles and stronger social support, which can positively impact mental and physical health outcomes. Social support plays a crucial role in buffering the negative effects of stress and promoting overall well-being.

Resilience: Personality traits like optimism, self-efficacy, and resilience can contribute to better health outcomes. Resilient individuals have the ability to bounce back from setbacks, adapt to challenges, and maintain a positive outlook, which can improve mental health and contribute to physical well-being.

Be Inspired

Renowned Ghanaian writer, Ama Ata Aidoo dies at 81

Ama Ata Aidoo, the renowned Ghanaian writer and a celebrated figure in African literature, has passed away at the age of 81. With her influential works like "The Dilemma of a Ghost" and "Changes," Aidoo inspired a generation of younger authors, artists, and feminists. Her literary contributions were widely studied and taught in West African schools for many years. The news of her death was announced by her family in a concise statement on Wednesday. Aidoo will be remembered for her remarkable talent as a playwright, poet, and her commitment to feminist ideals.

Mid-Week Tips

Tips for better understanding your personality

Understanding your personality better can provide valuable insights into your strengths, preferences, and areas for growth. Here are some tips to help you gain a deeper understanding of your personality:

Self-Reflection: Take time for self-reflection and introspection. Pay attention to your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in various situations. Reflect on what energizes you, what drains you, and what comes naturally to you. Use your reactions to these challenges and interactions to gain insights into your personality traits.

Personality Assessments: Consider taking reputable personality assessments, such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) or the Big Five Personality Traits assessment. These assessments can provide structured insights into your personality characteristics, helping you identify your strengths, preferences, and potential areas for growth.

Seek Honest Feedback: Ask for feedback from trusted friends, family, or colleagues who know you well. They can provide observations and perspectives on your strengths, tendencies, and how you come across in various situations. Their insights can help you gain a more holistic view of your personality.

Embrace Growth Mindset: Maintain an open and growth-oriented mindset. Embrace opportunities for personal development and actively seek feedback. Be willing to challenge and expand your comfort zone, as it can lead to new experiences that deepen your self-understanding.

Highly Recommend

Personality Isn't Permanent: Break Free from Self-Limiting Beliefs and Rewrite Your Story Book by Benjamin Hardy

This insightful book emphasizes that individuals have the power to shape their lives and mold their personalities based on their purpose. It challenges common misconceptions about personality tests and highlights that the past does not necessarily dictate the future. Instead, it encourages readers to reflect on who they aspire to be and the choices they want to make to achieve their desired outcomes.