Ask HR: Are personality traits important for career growth?

It has been said that personality is crucial for career success. What do you think? Are personality traits not in-born and therefore different from one person to another?

Personality traits play a vital role in career success, often rivalling technical skills and experience. While expertise is essential for performing tasks effectively, personality traits shape how individuals navigate professional environments, collaborate with others, and seize arising opportunities. Personality influences not only how one works but also how one is perceived. Meeting performance expectations is doubtless a prerequisite for career success, yet it is often personality traits that determine the altitude of the perches an individual can access in an organisation. 

Research has associated personality traits such as conscientiousness, emotional intelligence, adaptability, resilience, and openness to career success. Conscientious individuals tend to be disciplined and reliable, attributes that could inform consistent performance. Emotional intelligence, the knack of properly recognising and managing one's emotions and those of others, is crucial for effective communication, conflict resolution, and leadership. Emotional intelligence also helps to build strong relationships and foster a positive work environment.

Adaptability, the ability to adjust to new circumstances and challenges, is particularly important in a rapidly changing environment, enabling individuals to remain relevant. Resilience helps individuals persevere in the face of career setbacks. Being able to maintain composure and motivation during trying times often distinguishes those who can sustain long-term success from those who falter. Openness fosters creativity and innovation, traits that are crucial in nearly every industry.

In addition, a positive attitude, openness to feedback, and hunger for growth can further enhance one’s career progression. Individuals who exhibit optimism and enthusiasm tend to inspire confidence and attract more career and leadership opportunities. Meanwhile, those who embrace feedback and continuous learning tend to get further along their career journeys.

No personality trait, however, has an inherent monopoly on career success. Instead, the key lies in self-awareness and adaptability. Understanding one’s strengths and limitations allows individuals to align their career choices with their personalities, thereby optimally harnessing their potential. While genetics may predispose individuals towards some and not others, desirable personality traits can be forged by a commitment to personal development. Career success is seldom nested in the genes.

Fred Gituku is a HR professional