How Your Personality Type Affects Your Career Success
Multiple studies have shown that personality types can determine whether an individual would be successful in their careers. A study published in the Journal of Vocational Behavior, explored the relationship between the Big Five personalities (neuroticism, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and openness) and career success.
Researchers found that individuals who were high in extraversion had higher salary, received more promotions and had higher career satisfaction. Those who were high in neuroticism had lower career satisfaction. The results also revealed that those who were more agreeable had lower career satisfaction, and those high in openness had lower salary level.
In another study, Dr Laramie Tolentino of Macquarie Business School found that, “A willingness to adapt, to be flexible and to meet challenges head-on are crucial factors in career success”. The Senior Lecturer of Management defined adaptability as, “finding a good fit between your competencies and your work environment.” She added that adaptability is not just about acquiring the needed skills, but also knowing where and when to use them is critical to achieving career goals.
While adaptability and flexibility are key traits that contribute to career success, she found that curiosity and proactiveness in learning are the most important. This is because having a sense of curiosity drives people to seek out opportunities that can contribute to their success.
You can change your personality
Although we are born with certain traits and predispositions, it is possible to enhance and change them. Dr Laramie stated that traits are malleable and can be developed over time.
“You can train yourself to build on your inherent qualities. Schools can foster and enhance these traits. Employers can provide training that will assist employees to develop adaptability,” she added.
A more recent study published in the journal of Psychological Science found that if you change your personality, you could achieve higher levels of job success. Dr. Kevin Hoff and his team observed two groups of teenagers for approximately 12 years. They found that the youth who grew in emotional stability, extraversion and conscientiousness had higher career satisfaction and success.
The four Cs of success
Dr Laramie concluded that there are four main aspects that determine a person’s career success: Concern, Control, Curiosity and Confidence.
She expressed that those who show concern about their future would most likely plan and take productive steps towards building a future that they want. Those who evoke control are more intentional, persistent and disciplined in following through with their plans.
Those who are curious explore options and are bold enough to try out different roles in order to find one that sits well with them. These people would attain higher career satisfaction because their rich experiences allow them to get a feel of what fits into their agenda and personalities.
Finally, confident people who believe that they can overcome challenges and make a difference in their career paths are more likely to achieve their goals. Confidence also gives them the ability to seek out answers or opportunities.
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