PERSONALITY DEVELOPMENT - INTRODUCTION

 THE CONCEPT OF PERSONALITY- DEFINITION:

“Personality is that pattern of characteristic thoughts, feelings, and behaviours that distinguishes one

person from another and that persists over time”

“It is the sum of biologically based and learnt behaviour which forms the person's unique responses to

environmental stimuli”

DIMENSIONS OF PERSONALITY:

The Big Five personality traits, also known as the five factor model (FFM), is a model based on common language descriptors of personality (lexical hypothesis). These descriptors are grouped together using a statistical technique called factor analysis (i.e. this model is not based on scientific experiments).

This widely examined theory suggests five broad dimensions used by some psychologists to describe the human personality and psyche. The five factors have been defined as openness to experience, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism, often listed under the acronyms “OCEAN”.

Dimension of Personality                    High Level                                  Low level

Openness to experience                  Inventive, Curious                   Cautious, Conservative

Conscientiousness                           Efficient, Organised                Easy going, Careless

Extraversion                                    Outgoing, Energetic                Solitary, Reserved

Agreeableness                                  Friendly, Compassionate        Competitive, Outspoken

Neuroticism                                     Sensitive, Nervous                  Secure, Confident

These five factors are assumed to represent the basic structure behind all personality traits. They were defined and described by several different researchers during multiple periods of research. Employees are sometimes tested on the Big Five personality traits in collaborative situations to determine what strong personality traits they can add to a group dynamic. Businesses need to understand their people as well as their operations and processes. Understanding the personality components that drive the employee behavior is a very useful informational data point for management.

THE FIVE DIMENSIONS OF PERSONALITY: (THE FIVE FACTOR MODEL)

a. Openness to experience: (inventive/curious vs. consistent/cautious):

Openness to experience describes a person's degree of intellectual curiosity, creativity, appreciation for art, emotion, adventure, unusual ideas, curiosity, and variety of experience. It is also described as the extent to which a person is imaginative or independent, and depicts a personal preference for a variety of activities over a strict routine. High openness can be perceived as unpredictability or lack of focus. Moreover, individuals with high openness are said to pursue self-actualization specifically by seeking out intense, euphoric experiences, such as skydiving, living abroad, gambling, etc. Conversely, those with low openness seek to gain fulfilment through perseverance, and are characterized as pragmatic and datadriven— sometimes even perceived to be dogmatic and closed-minded. Some disagreement remains about how to interpret and contextualize the openness factor.

b. Conscientiousness (efficient/organized vs. easy-going/careless):

Conscientiousness is a tendency to show self-discipline, act dutifully, and aim for achievement. Conscientiousness also refers to planning, organization, and dependability. High conscientiousness is often perceived as stubbornness and obsession. Low conscientiousness is associated with flexibility and spontaneity, but can also appear as sloppiness and lack of reliability.

c. Extraversion: (outgoing/energetic vs. solitary/reserved):

Extraversion describes energy, positive emotions, assertiveness, sociability, talkativeness, and the tendency to seek stimulation in the company of others. High extraversion is often perceived as attention seeking, and domineering. Low extraversion causes a reserved, reflective personality, which can be perceived as aloof or self-absorbed.

d. Agreeableness: (friendly/compassionate vs. analytical/detached):

Agreeableness is a tendency to be compassionate and cooperative rather than suspicious and antagonistic towards others. It is also a measure of one's trusting and helpful nature, and whether a person is generally well-tempered or not. High agreeableness is often seen as naive or submissive. Low agreeableness personalities are often competitive or challenging people, which can be seen as argumentative or untrustworthy.

e. Neuroticism: (sensitive/nervous vs. Secure/confident).

Neuroticism is a tendency to experience unpleasant emotions easily, such as anger, anxiety, depression, and vulnerability. Neuroticism also refers to the degree of emotional stability and impulse control and is sometimes referred to by its low pole, "emotional stability". A high need for stability manifests as a stable and calm personality, but can be seen as uninspiring and unconcerned. A low need for stability causes a reactive and excitable personality, often very dynamic individuals, but they can be perceived as unstable or insecure.

PERSONALITY DEVELOPMENT:

 Personality development includes activities that improve awareness and identity, develop talents and potential, build human capital and facilitate employability, enhance quality of life and contribute to the realization of dreams and aspirations.

 When personal development takes place in the context of institutions, it refers to the methods, programs, tools, techniques, and assessment systems that support human development at the individual level in organizations.

 Personality development includes activities that develop talents, improve awareness, enhances potential and looks to improve the quality of life. It involves formal and informal activities that put people in the role of leaders, guides, teachers, and managers for helping them realize their full potential.

 Hence, it can be concluded that the process of improving or transforming the personality is called personality development.

SIGNIFICANCE OR IMPORTANCE OF PERSONALITY DEVELOPMENT:

Most people underestimate the importance of having a pleasing personality. Majority think it just means being born good-looking, that there isn’t anything much to do about it. But this is not true. The scope of personality development is quite broad. It includes knowing how to dress well, social graces, grooming, speech and interpersonal skills. Whatever your career, these are very important skills that will promote your objectives.

To better appreciate its importance, some of the key benefits of developing your personality include the following:

a. Confidence:

Personality development gives more confidence to people. When you know you are appropriately attired and groomed, this makes you less anxious when meeting a person. Knowing the right things to say and how to conduct yourself will increase your confidence.

b. Credibility:

Personality development makes people more credible. Despite the saying that you don’t judge a book by its cover, people do tend to judge people by their clothing and how it is worn. This does not mean buying expensive clothes. We all know people who look shabby in expensive clothes. There are also people who look great even if their attire is inexpensive. Because of this, you must know what to wear and you must be aware of other aspects of enhancing your physical features.

c. Interaction:

Personality development encourages people to interact with others. Studies have consistently shown that people communicate more openly with people they are comfortable with. If your hygiene and social graces are unrefined, then expect to have a much harder time connecting with people.

d. Leading and Motivating:

Personality development enhances the capacity to lead and motivate. A person with a winning personality will be able to motivate better. People are less likely to get bored, and our ideas will have more credibility. We can lead better if we project an aura of confidence and credibility.

e. Curiosity:

A single wrong word can destroy a business relationship. Knowing the right things to say shows both respect and intellectual sophistication. This is especially the case if you are dealing with foreigners or if you conduct business outside the country. The right thing to do in our country could be horrible blunders in a different culture. These are the soft skills that may break or make a deal.

f. Communication skills:

It improves your communication skills. People are more receptive to what you say if they are impressed with your personality. Verbal communication skills are also part of personality development; improving your speech will strengthen the impact of your message. You cannot win by talent and hard work alone. Personality development is a crucial ingredient that you must obtain. Most of the people you see as models of great personality have taken a lot of effort in developing their natural features.

Activity:

Describe your Personality in 250 words.