subject: Personality Development For Young Professionals [print this page] Personality development means enhancing an individuals inner and outer self so as to bring positive changes in his or her life.
Inner Self and Outer Self
A persons inner self can be polished by boosting self- confidence, improving communication skills, by increasing knowledge and skills and by inculcating self- esteem.
A persons outer self is quintessentially how they present themselves to the outside world. This can be improved by learning etiquette, by dressing right and by correct grooming. In essence, it is all about knowing how to be in line with the place, occasion and the time in terms of appearance and conduct.
For a young professional stepping out into career, it is essential to present a confident, pleasant and assertive image. As physical appearance plays a major role in creating first impressions, a well groomed and smartly dressed individual is more likely to gain entry into professional circles more easily than one who is not.
Broad based knowledge and good communication skills coupled with a positive attitude make a great personality. This article aims to explain some easy personality development tips for the young professionals.
Tip #1: Make the first impression count - Present yourself well
Casual dressing once you have entered professional circles is not acceptable. Most corporates have a prescribed dress code which lists out the dos and donts of office wear.
Formal shirts and trousers in sober colours, jewellery limited to a dress watch, polished shoes, sober socks and tie complete the ensemble for men.
Modest dresses, limited jewellery, muted make up and comfortable shoes are usually prescribed for women.
For both men and women, hair should be well groomed and kept to manageable length.
Walk talk and keep a pleasant expression on your face at all times. When introduced to people, greet them with confidence and a pleasant smile. A firm handshake makes a great first impression. Pleasing voice and cheerful disposition are other traits of good personality that can be attained through focused training and practice.
Tip #2: Communicate better
Most successful individuals are confident speakers. Good communication skills can be learnt by watching leaders in their interactions with others.
Cultivate listening skills and ask open ended questions in order to get responses from people. Broaden your reading habits so you have ready topics for conversation. While conversing in professional circles, remember to maintain a personal distance and to be discreet.
Avoid gossip and malingering as loose talk always has a way of coming back to its source. Even while disagreeing with anyone, remember to be courteous.
For example, in a team discussion, if you want to reject the idea suggested by someone, it is better to say why it will not work, with reasoning, instead of summarily rejecting it as useless.
Tip #3: Improve self-confidence
Self-confidence stems from a positive self-image. Reading books on personality development and putting the tips into practice can be a starting point. Attend seminars or training programs in personality development.
Avoid negativity in thoughts and give yourself credit for every achievement, no matter how small. Spend some time in introspection every day to review your goals and progress. Make it a daily habit, its important.
Tip #4: Broaden your mind
Spend some time in the company of people with a different set of interests. You gain immensely from their experiences and outlook on life. Read informative books and articles to broaden your knowledge that can boost your self confidence tremendously.
Update your skill set continuously. Try doing something new every day. Volunteering and getting involved in activities of your community can open the doors to new learning experiences. A gamut of social interactions can serve as a big leap forward in your path to personality development.
