According to scientists, our personalities are a mixture of genetics and individual experiences. We inherit a genetic predisposition, but the environment in which we are raised can modify our personality for better or worse. We need to understand our unique personality and our early experiences that helped forge it, and then we must train ourselves to become conscious of the ways our attitudes can help or hurt us and others.
We need to be aware of the verbal and non-verbal messages our attitudes send, often without our thought or intention. Understanding the impact of our personalities on the people around us is critical.
If we are oblivious, mean-spirited, a gossip, or uncaring about others’ perspectives, we will severely limit our influence and someone else’s chances for self-fulfilment. “Reading” different personality types and observing the person’s facial expressions, body language, and posture can alert us to potential problems. If we can recognise problems before they become serious, we can adjust our personality tendencies and improve our communication methods.
Self-understanding is as important in the professional world as it is in our personal lives. As we mature, our responsibilities increase, we face bigger challenges, and we are exposed to a broader range of personalities and challenges. It isn’t enough to be self-aware, we must also be “other-aware” if we want to relate harmoniously with the people around us.
In the long run, self-knowledge will make the difference between success and mediocrity.
With the rise in virtual work teams, flexible work arrangements, and personal electronic devices in the workplace, the opportunities for ‘cyberloafing’ - using the Internet for non-work activities - are plentiful and creating serious problems for many businesses.
A new study from the School of Business at the University of Wisconsin-Madison examines two key personality traits - conscientiousness and emotional stability - that affect the likelihood of cyberloafing and looks at certain workplace conditions that may increase employee engagement.
The following suggestions for organisations seeking to reduce online distractions as a means of increasing productivity:
• Screen candidates for conscientiousness and emotional stability during job interviews;
• Create appropriate human resource practices and effectively communicate with employees so they feel people are treated fairly;
• Have a policy that personal devices and non-work email can be checked during breaks or only as needed throughout the day to minimise distractions.
“Both conscientiousness and emotional stability are strong predictors for job performance, and their presence would suggest a reduced likelihood of cyberloafing,” says Maria Triana, associate professor of management and human resources. “But we found that even a conscientious employee with a strong work ethic will engage in cyberloafing if they feel there is a lack of justice or fair treatment in the workplace. That means it is important for organisations to focus not only on those personal traits, but in creating a work environment where employees believe they are treated fairly and equitably.”
The research found that conscientious individuals seek to fulfil their obligations, are normally centred on task accomplishment and are less likely to be distracted and cross the line into cyberloafing. Emotionally stable people have less need to spend time and energy regulating their emotions, have more capacity to allocate resources to tasks at hand and are less likely to lose focus.
Another workplace condition the research considered was the level of employee empowerment. When empowerment is high, people generally have a good attitude about work and are more likely to be satisfied.
Business Tips
The Impact Your Personality has on Others
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- Category: Team Development
