Last Updated on December 20, 2023
The debate as to which is more important – a fitting personality or professional qualities – is one that has been going on for years. There are people who didn’t succeed in life despite their outstanding professional qualities. On the other hand, there are also people with fitting personalities who find success as something out of their reach. Â
Professional qualities are often the same, yet their level of expertise can differ from one person to another. However, personality is something unique to every person. So, while there might be no such thing as a correct answer to this long-standing question, understanding these two better will help you learn their unique benefits.
Intelligence is Not an Advantage All the Time
There is a belief that intelligent people have higher chances of success compared to those with average intelligence. Although there is a preconceived notion that it is easier for intelligent people to develop professional qualities that can mean better success, this is something that rarely comes true.
It is said that after a specific threshold, people’s intelligence reduces their ability to become successful leaders. Thus, fresh graduates shouldn’t be afraid of their more intelligent peers since most of them lack the personality required to take on leadership roles. In general, people who have stratospheric IQs more than 160 lack excellent leadership skills.Â
Professional Qualities are Easy to Evaluate
Working executives and fresh graduates know that employers will try to determine if they possess the right professional qualities during interviews. Employers find it easy to learn the professional qualities of a candidate. These are revealed through the educational qualification of the candidate, his work experience, how he answers questions and his demeanor in general.
A Fitting Personality Can Impress Employers
Seasoned executives and fresh graduates also know that these professional qualities are not everything. It is important for them to understand that personality also goes a very long way during interviews. A candidate with good interpersonal skills is likely more suitable for a company or organization. And if two candidates with the same professional qualities apply for a job, the one whose personality is more fitting will likely land the job.
What can be considered as a fitting personality, then? Interviewers will likely be impressed with a graduate or executive who is likable, with a firm handshake, willing to help others, and can make good eye contact.
You Can Learn Professional Qualities if You Have a Fitting Personality
It is often more difficult to develop and change your personality than to learn and hone new skills. This is why college graduates with charming personalities usually have an edge over their peers with sound professional qualities. A candidate with a charming personality will be able to learn new skills but someone with good professional qualities but les likeable personality will have a hard time transforming their personality to a charming and amiable one.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, you don’t really need to choose one over the other. Instead, you need to strike the perfect balance between personality development and skill development. This way, whatever industry or profession you pursue, you can be sure to achieve success.
