While personality traits do play a role in an individual's performance, they are not the sole determining factor. If traits are the baseline, it’s the human ‘power skills’ that an individual holds that determine their success in a role.
Performance is a complex outcome influenced by various factors such as skills, knowledge, experience, motivation, work ethic, and environmental factors.
Personality traits contribute to performance in certain contexts.
For example, traits such sociability, drive, dominance and independence can positively impact job performance and productivity. However, it is important to note that personality traits alone are not sufficient to achieve high performance.
Power skills, also known as soft skills or interpersonal skills, are crucial for enhancing performance at work.
- Emotional intelligence
- Resilience
- Motivation
Hiring managers and recruiters should factor these skills into their hiring decisions to avoid costly mistakes.
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Communication
Effective communication is essential for expressing ideas, building relationships, and collaborating with others. It involves active listening, clarity in speech, and the ability to convey information effectively.
Emotional Intelligence
This skill involves understanding and managing one’s own emotions and empathising with others. It helps in building strong relationships, resolving conflicts, and maintaining a positive work environment.
Adaptability
Being adaptable means embracing change, adjusting to new situations, and being open to learning. It enables individuals to handle unexpected challenges, navigate uncertainty, and thrive in dynamic environments.
Time Management
Efficiently managing time allows individuals to prioritise tasks, meet deadlines, and achieve goals. Effective time management involves planning, setting priorities, and allocating resources appropriately.
Problem Solving
The ability to identify problems, analyse situations, and generate effective solutions is crucial for success. Problem-solving skills involve critical thinking, creativity, and a systematic approach to overcoming obstacles.
Collaboration
Collaboration entails working effectively with others, fostering teamwork, and leveraging collective strengths. It involves active participation, respectful communication, and willingness to share ideas and responsibilities.
Leadership
Leadership skills are valuable not only for leading teams but also for taking initiative and influencing others positively. Leadership involves inspiring, motivating, and guiding individuals or groups towards a shared vision or goal.
Resilience
Resilience is the ability to bounce back from setbacks, adapt to adversity, and maintain a positive mindset. It helps individuals persevere through challenges, learn from failures, and remain productive in the face of difficulties.
Continuous Learning
The willingness to acquire new knowledge and develop new skills is crucial for staying relevant and improving performance. Embracing a growth mindset and actively seeking opportunities for learning and development can lead to continuous improvement.
Self-Confidence
Having confidence in oneself and one’s abilities contributes to higher performance levels. It involves believing in one’s strengths, taking calculated risks, and displaying a positive self-image.
Hire for performance, not just for personality
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While personality traits do have an impact on performance, they are just one piece of the puzzle. It is a combination of various factors that ultimately determine an individual’s performance in any given task or role.
Improving performance is an ongoing process. It requires dedication, a growth mindset, and a willingness to adapt and learn. By focusing on these factors and consistently seeking improvement, you can improve performance and workplace culture across your organisation.
