What’s a promotable personality

Many people believe you need to have a dominant personality to get promoted or to be considered a leader. I have found that is sometimes the case, particularly in lower level promotions, but those who most often move to the top have more middle-of-the-road personalities or can even be classified as being on the quiet side.

I have witnessed uncountable times at meetings when the president of a company after listening to battling executives who are trying to be the alpha dog, turn to the quietest executive at the table and ask for his opinion or take on the situation. It’s as if he is looking for someone to bring clarity and objectivity. He is looking for someone who is a thinker, not a talker. And in 90% of the cases, this is the guy who gets the next big promotion.

Of course, management theorists have debated for years what are the personality characteristics that are best for managers. Probably a handful of characteristics that make most lists include –

Empathy

Focus on employee strengths

Fair and impartial

Patience

Challenge employees

Have a good sense of humor

Greet employees with a smile

Remember to say thank you

Notice that not making the list is dominant personality.