Success Often Rests on Personality Rather Than Intellect


 

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Success Often Rests on Personality Rather Than Intellect

By Vanessa Richardson

     Many of us are not gifted with a genius IQ, extreme athleticism, artistic ability or even a heightened sense of self-confidence. We all wonder if we have what it takes to be successful in life. However, the fact that we have this curiosity in the first place leads us to the place where we develop those characteristics that have been proven to take us where we aspire to go. 

New and widely tested research suggests that IQ has hardly anything to do with success, as previously thought, noting that it is understoodsuccess isn’t always necessarily tied to money.  Money is simply one measurable outcome of the word. What characteristics seem to be more impactful? Conscientiousness, curiosity, perseverance, resilience, and grit. 

In the article ’10 Ways to Spot a Truly Exceptional Employee’ by Travis Bradberry, https://www.theladders.com/career-advice/10-ways-to-spot-a-truly-exceptional-employee, he sites that a study in which more than 500 business leaders were asked what specifically sets great employees apart, the leader chose personality as their leading reason; 78% of these leaders said personality will make an exceptional employee, more than cultural fit (53%) and even the skill set (39%), noting that the last two can often times be learned. 

Bradberry describes the qualities many of us call as “personality” in this study to actually be emotional intelligence. Among the ten he describes, a few are which are notable include

  • A willingness to delay gratification
  • Highly tolerant of conflict
  • Judiciously courageous
  • Accountability
  • The ability neutralize toxic people

The good news for those interested in self-improvement or for those parents reading this who just became slightly panicked is – while IQ is largely fixed by the age of 6, emotional intelligence and personality are more malleable.  Researchers emphatically attest that grit can be taught.  They argue that current personality traits are not our fate.  We do ourselves a disservice when we see our personality or those of our children as fixed and inflexible.  Science suggests quite the opposite, our character and behavior can be drastically altered by new circumstances, insights, passions, and yes our own desperations. 

The better question to ask ourselves is do we have the character to succeed rather than do we have the brains.  And if the answer is yes then there is comfort in knowing that not only can we improve on that character but we have the opportunity now. 

Integrated People Solutions is an executive placement firm in Denver, Colorado, and is part of the Kennedy Executive Network

 

About Kennedy Executive

Kennedy Executive Search & Consulting is a global partner network of retained search boutiques in Europe and North America  with offices in Amsterdam, Budapest, Copenhagen, Denver, Frankfurt, Milan, Monaco, Paris, Prague, and Salzburg. The network covers 360 degrees of talent management: executive search finds and assesses the right talent in the market, consulting develops people and organizations. With the addition of Evolve South Africa, Kennedy is now active on 4 continents and in 14 countries and offers a global reach. Between the 75+ consultants and researchers, 30 languages are spoken. As a network Kennedy will run 365 strategic recruitments all over the world this year. Kennedy Executive Search & Consulting helps organizations to achieve their goals and people to enhance their careers every day.

 

 

 

 

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Simon Roads

Vice President of Sales

Born and raised in England, Simon Roads has had a distinguished career in various forms of aviation spanning over 45 years. His journey began as an A&P mechanic in the Royal Air Force and has encompassed a range of roles, ultimately leading to his position as the VP of Global Sales for Honda Aircraft. Throughout this extensive career, he has had the privilege of closely collaborating with Royalty, Dignitaries, and high net worth individuals, providing them with unparalleled expertise and a steadfast commitment to excellence in aviation services.

Having been immersed in the aviation industry for nearly half a century, his wealth of insights and knowledge has established him as a trusted figure within the field. His extensive experience has provided him with the opportunity to engage with diverse cultures, interacting with individuals from various walks of life, and ensuring that their distinctive requirements and preferences are met with the utmost precision.

One of his notable strengths lies in his adeptness at effectively managing global teams. Over the course of his career, he has demonstrated successful leadership and mentorship of professionals from different backgrounds and nationalities, fostering an environment characterized by collaboration, growth, and mutual respect.

Understanding different cultures has played a pivotal role in his professional journey. By taking part in the customs, traditions, and practices of his clients he not only fosters strong relationships but has also gained a profound appreciation for the unique needs and expectations of each of his clients.

Away from work, his priority is his family. His role as grandad to three wonderful boys, brings him immense joy. He has a penchant for outdoor activities such as cycling, kayaking, and golf. Additionally, he has developed a passion for cooking and continually seeks to learn new culinary techniques. The art of balancing life and work is an ongoing journey for him, and he considers himself fortunate to be able to savor the best of both worlds.

You can contact Simon at sroads@ipeoplesolutions.com

Meredith Stanley

Executive Recruiter

Meredith joined IPS in 2023 as an Executive Recruiter with over 5 years of recruiting experience at Amazon and Lyft. Prior to making the shift to recruiting, Meredith was an Executive Assistant for over 3 years at a Seattle-based insurance company. With a passion for finding top talent, Meredith has hired for a wide range of roles across North America in the hardware, micromobility, operations, transportation, and tech spaces.

After an unsuccessful attempt at a Chemical Engineering degree, Meredith graduated from Oregon State University with a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies.

Meredith has a passion for live music, playing both piano and trombone. She also enjoys traveling and spending time outdoors either skiing, hiking or scuba diving.

You can contact Meredith at Meredith@ipeoplesolutions.com

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