There will come a time in your career when you will be asked this question: What are your greatest strengths? This may be asked at your next evaluation or maybe during an interview for a new job. This question is asked because your answer is an important one. Your personality type and workplace strengths impact your overall success – and not just when you’re trying to land a job or earn a promotion.
Take a look at these four ways you can leverage your personality type in the workplace.
Align with Your Natural Tendencies
Extroversion is probably the most recognizable traits because it’s easy to spot an extrovert. Extroverts are socially assertive and find energy from being around others. If you’re an extrovert, you’ll fare well in the work place – statistics even show that extroverts earn more money. Extroverts aren’t afraid to show how good they are and shout it from the rooftops. This strength helps people climb the corporate ladder more quickly.
Introverts have a tough time pushing forward into the limelight and singing their own praises. People who are introverts prefer to work alone or in small groups. Introverts tend to be great listeners, so if you are an introvert make notes and ask questions that show others you are listening and understanding their messages.
Most people are actually a combination of the two. You can find out where you land on the extrovert/introvert spectrum by taking the Myers & Briggs personality test.
Gain Experiences
Just like there are different types of gamblers, each who thrive and find success at different games, there are different types of employees who find where they excel in the workplace and run with it. If you are open to new experiences, speak with your manager and show your interest in learning new things. If new experiences make you nervous, take what you know and fine-tune it so it becomes an art. Once you feel confident, it may open your eyes to taking on new challenges.
Flex Your Figurative Muscles
Those who are flexible can find a lot of success in the workplace through using their skills to overcome challenging projects and find solutions to problems. Flexible employees think outside of the box and know how to react when unexpected things come their way. If you are flexible, you keep going even when the going gets tough and you adapt well to nearly any situation. Flexible people work well with all clients because they have the innate ability to be open to the way things are, even if it’s not their preferences, and roll with the punches.
If you aren’t naturally a “go with the flow” individual, that’s okay. Look for small ways to show that you are a team player and willing to take on new challenges. Over time, you’ll feel more comfortable being flexible about bigger things.
Understanding your personality and the personalities of those who work with you are critical to finding success in the workplace. Personality is just one of multiple drivers of behavior, but it’s one that is consistent as time marches on. Take your personality and leverage its positives to help you shine.
