Making Personality Work for You in Your Professional Life

Your personality shapes many facets of life, especially your career fit. Studies highlight that aligning one’s job with their personality can boost satisfaction and productivity. The American Psychological Association reports that employees who leverage their strengths in the workplace experience 20% higher productivity and greater job satisfaction. Embracing your distinct qualities allows for a more fulfilling work experience, helping you stand out while feeling at ease in your role.

Recognizing and Leveraging Your Natural Strengths

Understanding your natural strengths can reshape how you approach work. Each personality offers unique abilities that, when applied effectively, can drive career fit success. Gallup’s findings show that people who regularly use their strengths are 6 times more engaged and 15% less likely to feel stressed.

For a more tailored look at using personal strengths to build a fulfilling career, check out NEXTAFF’s Resources for career preparation and improvement, which offers practical strategies for leveraging unique skills in today’s job market.

Dr. Martin Seligman, a notable figure in positive psychology, adds that when employees use their natural talents, they feel more engaged and confident in their work, which often leads to better results (University of Pennsylvania).

Finding the Right Career Fit

Aligning your career path with your personality often contributes to long-term satisfaction. SHRM data reveals that employees in roles that suit their personalities report 32% higher job satisfaction and are 21% less likely to leave. Moreover, poor job fit contributes to one-third of new hires leaving within six months, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This data underscores the importance of compatibility between personality and job responsibilities.

Enhancing Workplace Dynamics Through Personality Awareness

Understanding your personality’s influence on workplace interactions helps create a positive and collaborative environment. NEXTAFF’s talent resources emphasize the value of personality diversity in team success. That varied communication styles are key to building effective, inclusive workplaces.

The Myers-Briggs Company reports that 50% of the workforce identifies as introverted, emphasizing the need for different approaches to communication. Extroverts often feel energized in team meetings, while introverts contribute best in focused, smaller settings. As Susan Cain, author of Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking, observes, “Recognizing and valuing personality diversity is key to building inclusive, high-performing teams”.

Utilizing Self-Awareness and Personality Assessments for Growth

Self-awareness is integral to personal growth. Yet only 10-15% of people are truly self-aware, even though 95% believe they are, as reported in Harvard Business Review. Reflecting on how your personality influences your approach to work uncovers opportunities for growth. Organizational psychologist Tasha Eurich points out that “true self-awareness enables people to understand how others perceive them, bridging gaps in workplace interactions”.

Using Personality Assessments to Guide Career Choices

Personality assessments are powerful tools for career planning and hiring. Over 60% of U.S. companies use personality tests to reduce turnover and improve job fit (SHRM). Dr. Travis Bradberry, co-author of Emotional Intelligence 2.0, advocates for this practice. Explaining that assessments provide insight into a candidate’s preferences, helping both employee and employer make informed choices.

Elevating Leadership Skills Through Emotional Intelligence

Self-aware, emotionally intelligent leaders inspire greater trust and loyalty within their teams. The Center for Creative Leadership finds that leaders who embrace their natural styles, whether directive or collaborative, create environments where employees feel understood and valued.  For further insight into leadership and emotional intelligence, check out NEXTAFF’s leadership strategies.

Balancing Individuality with Team Synergy

Balancing personal work styles with team goals contributes to a harmonious workplace. MIT’s Human Dynamics Laboratory found that teams balancing individuality with collaboration are 30% more productive than those that lack this synergy. Dr. Alex Pentland, points out that “the best teams know when to draw on individual strengths and when to unite for a common goal,” which helps create a dynamic, productive environment.

Growing Professionally by Embracing Authenticity

Authenticity not only improves job satisfaction but can also enhance career longevity. Research shows that employees who feel free to be themselves at work are 47% more satisfied. They are also 3 times more likely to remain with their company long-term. Bill George, former Medtronic CEO, and Harvard Business School professor believes that “authenticity is essential for both personal and professional growth”

Looking for your next job opportunity? Explore rewarding careers today with NEXTAFF. Find the perfect career fit for your personality and skills. Learn More About Candidate Services today!

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Meet Shane...

Shane’s journey with Nextaff began in 2019, when he established a successful franchise in the Kansas City metro area. His experience as a Nextaff franchise owner provides prospective buyers with a completely transparent view of the Nextaff Franchise Opportunity. Prior to his time at Nextaff, Shane led large sales teams in the Financial Services and Medical Device industries, further developing his expertise in leadership and business management.

Do you play sports?

Basketball! I was fortunate enough to play college basketball all 4 years and in 2013 we won the NCAA DII National Championship.

What do you love most about your current role?

Getting to know prospective franchise buyers. I love hearing about their goals and dreams they want to achieve through entrepreneurship.

What is your favorite color?

Orange! Yes, it is one of Nextaff’s main colors but it was my favorite before coming to Nextaff. In the franchising world, I’m known as “Orange pants guy”.

Meet Cary...

When it comes to operating a staffing firm, Cary has worn every hat.  From recruiting, to sales, to management, to ownership, he has been involved in every aspect of running a successful staffing business.  He has successfully led three separate companies to the Inc. 500 and Inc. 5000 lists, which puts him in an elite class of staffing entrepreneurship.  Combining that experience with a strong passion for entrepreneurs makes Cary an ideal leader for driving the Nextaff vision. 

Describe yourself in three words.

Loyal, Driven, Creative

Is there a mantra or affirmation you live by?

Do what you said you were going to do.

Do you have a celebrity doppelganger?

Back in the day, it was John Cusak.  “I want my two dollars!”