Why personality outperforms pretense every time in business

THERE is so much content these days pointing people towards the ‘pathway to success’ in business that it can be hard to absorb every bit of advice. Often the best business skill to rely on is your own personality. Studies show that ‘ being you’ in job interviews and business dealings give off a higher level of honesty. This is better than simply resorting to slogans and buzzy business jargon.

That’s not to say you shouldn’t do your homework and be prepared, but do so in a way that doesn’t stifle your natural ability to communicate. All the research and sound ideas in the world will be undone if you do not deliver it effectively. The best way to do this is by doing it naturally.

For example, don’t devalue your life experience, job experience and any other peripheral knowledge you bring to the table. A solid personality comes across as reliable, confident and organised in a meeting. Being ‘natural’ makes you more empathetic and understanding in business dealings (these two personality traits are worth their weight in gold these days).

Putting on a show of assertiveness that doesn’t include the natural side of your personality sounds egoistical and lacks the natural verve needed for those sticky business situations. Also, be confident and show that you can delegate. Nothing is more off-putting than the person who believes they can (and must) do everything by themselves. Trust your personality to help you succeed in business... it outperforms pretense every time.