<div><strong>What makes a person effective at workplace? </strong><br />This question has tormented humanity for an eternity. Thankfully, advances in management research, especially in understanding role of intelligence and personality, over the last two decades throw some light on this issue. <br /><br /><strong>What does effectiveness mean? <br /></strong>For people at workplace, this can be seen as either a) short-term job performance or b) long-term success in a chosen career. It is important to understand that success can be real or perceived achievements that have resulted due to one’s own work experiences. Real achievements are generally seen from an outsider perspective. For example, income, occupational status, employability etc. In contrast, the perceived achievements are internal to the person. Job satisfaction is probably the most important intrinsic measure of achievement. In a research study that tracked an entire cohort of people in US across their lifespan, from early childhood to retirement, researchers explored what predicts career success. Career success was defined as intrinsic to the person (job satisfaction) and extrinsic (income and occupational success). The big takeaway was that cognitive intelligence (often referred to as IQ) is the single most important predictor of external success. After controlling for intelligence, or amongst people having similar intelligence level, personality played a crucial role in explaining career success. <br /><br />First things first! The importance of intelligence has been related to almost all outcomes in life (career, school). If intelligence defines career success, are organisations proactively choosing the right employees? The short answer is yes. How is intelligence measured? Multiple tests and techniques exist! However, intelligence is typically measured by the various entrance tests, grades in school, and the entrance exams and so on. Some of these tests are more accurate than others in predicting intelligence in much the same way as some thermometers are more accurate than others in measuring the temperature. What is important is to realize that these tests do attempt to capture the “true” intelligence level of an individual. <br /><br />Second, let’s focus on the personality dimensions that are crucial for success. Evidence suggests that all the personality dimensions can be classified under an umbrella typology of five-factor model also known as “Big-five”. This model has been replicated across various cultures, has a genetic basis and remains fairly stable over time. In short, these five personality labels are conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, neuroticism, and openness to experience. Conscientiousness is associated with one’s self-control and need for dependability, achievement and planning. Not surprising, empirical evidence strongly supports the notion that your best performers at workplace are highly conscientiousness. Neuroticism (or its opposite emotional stability) is related to two interrelated factors: one dealing with anxiety (e.g. prone to stress, instability), and other with one’s well-being (e.g. depression, and personal insecurity). Extraverts are sociable, more outgoing and active. Agreeable people are cooperative and likeable as they are easy to get along. Finally, openness to experience denotes a person of intellect and unconventionality (e.g. imaginative, nonconforming). In the study mentioned above, conscientiousness predicted both intrinsic and extrinsic career success while neuroticism negatively predicted extrinsic success. <br /><br />Given that your intelligence and personality gives you a clue as to whether you have the raw material to succeed in the workplace, can you really change them? Evidence suggests they are quite stable. If you do not have the “correct” personality, do not despair. For those who are going into the job market, you should think about a career that will mesh well with your personality. For those who are already in your job, do not worry. You can take proactive “intervention” to improve your chances to survive and succeed in the workplace. If you procrastinate a lot and are unplanned, it is time to start planning a bit. If you fit the description of a highly neurotic person, can you do something to reduce some stress? Plan ahead to reduce anxiety.<br /><br /><strong>What do we know? </strong><br />Intelligence, conscientiousness, and to a lesser extent neuroticism, are valid predictors of job performance across all categories of job. Other three big three factors do predict success in specific occupations. For example, extraversion is considered helpful in managerial occupations especially those focused on sales. Agreeableness predicts teamwork.<br /><br />In order to be successful at workplace, you should capitalise on your innate personality and intelligence. If you are gifted, make the most of it. If you are not naturally gifted, don’t give up. All you need is a plan in place to overcome obstacles and you can be confident of a great career in whatever you choose to do! <br /><br /><br /><em>(The author is assistant professor - organizational behaviour, Indian School of Business)</em><br /> </div>
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