A

COURSE
IN
PERSONALITY DEVELOPMENT

“S uccess is a Journey and it is not the destination. Disappointments, Rejections, Unsuccessful

attempts and Criticisms are not failures to the Successful people. Failures are the Part of
success.

Winners use failures as stepping stones to success.

This is the only difference between people who win and people who don’t! ”
1.1 THE CONCEPT OF PERSONALITY- DEFINITION:
“Personality is that pattern of characteristic thoughts, feelings, and behaviours that
distinguishes one
person from another and that persists over time”
“It is the sum of biologically based and learnt behaviour which forms the person's unique
responses to
environmental stimuli”
1.2 DIMENSIONS OF PERSONALITY:
The Big Five personality traits, also known as the five factor model (FFM), is a model based on
common
language descriptors of personality (lexical hypothesis). These descriptors are grouped together
using a
statistical technique called factor analysis (i.e. this model is not based on scientific experiments).
This widely examined theory suggests five broad dimensions used by some psychologists to
describe the
human personality and psyche. The five factors have been defined as openness to experience,
conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism, often listed under the
acronyms
“OCEAN”.
Dimension

These five factors are assumed to represent the basic structure behind all personality traits.
They were
defined and described by several different researchers during multiple periods of research.
Employees are sometimes tested on the Big Five personality traits in collaborative situations to
determine
what strong personality traits they can add to a group dynamic. Businesses need to understand
their people
as well as their operations and processes. Understanding the personality components that drive
the
employee behavior is a very useful informational data point for management.

THE FIVE DIMENSIONS OF PERSONALITY: (THE FIVE FACTOR MODEL)

a. Openness to experience: (inventive/curious vs. consistent/cautious):
Openness to experience describes a person's degree of intellectual curiosity, creativity,
appreciation for art,
emotion, adventure, unusual ideas, curiosity, and variety of experience. It is also described as
the extent to
which a person is imaginative or independent, and depicts a personal preference for a variety of
activities
over a strict routine. High openness can be perceived as unpredictability or lack of focus.
Moreover,
individuals with high openness are said to pursue self-actualization specifically by seeking out
intense,
euphoric experiences, such as skydiving, living abroad, gambling, etc. Conversely, those with
low
openness seek to gain fulfilment through perseverance, and are characterized as pragmatic and
datadriven—
sometimes even perceived to be dogmatic and closed-minded. Some disagreement remains about
how to interpret and contextualize the openness factor.

b. Conscientiousness (efficient/organized vs. easy-going/careless):

Conscientiousness is a tendency to show self-discipline, act dutifully, and aim for achievement.
Conscientiousness also refers to planning, organization, and dependability. High
conscientiousness is
often perceived as stubbornness and obsession. Low conscientiousness is associated with
flexibility and
spontaneity, but can also appear as sloppiness and lack of reliability.
c. Extraversion: (outgoing/energetic vs. solitary/reserved):
Extraversion describes energy, positive emotions, assertiveness, sociability, talkativeness, and
the
tendency to seek stimulation in the company of others. High extraversion is often perceived as
attentionseeking,
and domineering. Low extraversion causes a reserved, reflective personality, which can be
perceived as aloof or self-absorbed.
d. Agreeableness: (friendly/compassionate vs. analytical/detached):
Agreeableness is a tendency to be compassionate and cooperative rather than suspicious and
antagonistic
towards others. It is also a measure of one's trusting and helpful nature, and whether a person
is generally
well-tempered or not. High agreeableness is often seen as naive or submissive. Low
agreeableness
personalities are often competitive or challenging people, which can be seen as argumentative or
untrustworthy.

e. Neuroticism: (sensitive/nervous vs. Secure/confident).

Neuroticism is a tendency to experience unpleasant emotions easily, such as anger, anxiety,
depression,
and vulnerability. Neuroticism also refers to the degree of emotional stability and impulse
control and is
sometimes referred to by its low pole, "emotional stability". A high need for stability manifests
as a stable
and calm personality, but can be seen as uninspiring and unconcerned. A low need for stability
causes a
reactive and excitable personality, often very dynamic individuals, but they can be perceived as
unstable
or insecure.
1.3 PERSONALITY DEVELOPMENT:

Personality development includes activities that improve awareness and identity, develop
talents
and potential, build human capital and facilitate employability, enhance quality of life and
contribute to the realization of dreams and aspirations.

When personal development takes place in the context of institutions, it refers to the
methods,
programs, tools, techniques, and assessment systems that support human development at the
individual level in organizations.

Personality development includes activities that develop talents, improve awareness,

enhances
potential and looks to improve the quality of life. It involves formal and informal activities that
put people in the role of leaders, guides, teachers, and managers for helping them realize their
full
potential.

Hence, it can be concluded that the process of improving or transforming the personality is
called
personality development.

1.4 SIGNIFICANCE OR IMPORTANCE OF PERSONALITY DEVELOPMENT:

Most people underestimate the importance of having a pleasing personality. Majority think it
just
means being born good-looking, that there isn’t anything much to do about it. But this is not
true. The
scope of personality development is quite broad. It includes knowing how to dress well, social
graces,
grooming, speech and interpersonal skills. Whatever your career, these are very important
skills that will
promote your objectives.
To better appreciate its importance, some of the key benefits of developing your personality
include the
following:
a. Confidence:
Personality development gives more confidence to people. When you know you are
appropriately attired
and groomed, this makes you less anxious when meeting a person. Knowing the right things to
say and
how to conduct yourself will increase your confidence.

b. Credibility:
Personality development makes people more credible. Despite the saying that you don’t judge a
book by
its cover, people do tend to judge people by their clothing and how it is worn. This does not
mean buying
expensive clothes. We all know people who look shabby in expensive clothes. There are also
people who
look great even if their attire is inexpensive. Because of this, you must know what to wear and
you must
be aware of other aspects of enhancing your physical features.
c. Interaction:
Personality development encourages people to interact with others. Studies have consistently
shown that
people communicate more openly with people they are comfortable with. If your hygiene and
social
graces are unrefined, then expect to have a much harder time connecting with people.
d. Leading and Motivating:
Personality development enhances the capacity to lead and motivate. A person with a winning
personality
will be able to motivate better. People are less likely to get bored, and our ideas will have more
credibility.
We can lead better if we project an aura of confidence and credibility.
e. Curiosity:
A single wrong word can destroy a business relationship. Knowing the right things to say shows
both
respect and intellectual sophistication. This is especially the case if you are dealing with
foreigners or if
you conduct business outside the country. The right thing to do in our country could be horrible
blunders
in a different culture. These are the soft skills that may break or make a deal.

f. Communication skills:
It improves your communication skills. People are more receptive to what you say if they are
impressed
with your personality. Verbal communication skills are also part of personality development;
improving
your speech will strengthen the impact of your message.
You cannot win by talent and hard work alone. Personality development is a crucial ingredient
that you
must obtain. Most of the people you see as models of great personality have taken a lot of effort
in
developing their natural features.
1.5 THEORIES OF PERSONALITY:
Many psychologists have developed theories about personality—how to describe it, how it
emerges, what
influences it, how it changes, and what constitutes a healthy or an abnormal personality. Here
you will
learn about the three most important personality theories: psychoanalytic theory, behaviourism
and
humanism.
The first of the modern personality theories was developed by Sigmund Freud and is known as
psychoanalytic theory. The psychiatric practice of this theory is called psychoanalysis. Freud’s
ideas were
plentiful, profound, and often controversial. His theory about personality has had tremendous
influence on
societies around the world through many different disciplines. Not only psychology has been
influenced
and informed by the ideas of Freud, but also literature, art, philosophy, cultural studies, film
theory, and
many other academic subjects. Freud’s theory represents one of the major intellectual ideas of
the modern
world. Right or wrong, these ideas have had a lasting and enormous impact.

1.5.1 FREUD THEORY:

Freud theorized that personality contains three structures—the id, ego, and superego—and that
the mind is
like an iceberg, the unconscious making up 90% while the conscious (like the tip of the iceberg
floating
above water) makes only 10% of the mind.
Freud suggested an analogy about the mind. He said that the mind is like an iceberg in the
ocean, floating
10% above the water and 90% below. The unconscious, Freud proposed, makes up the vast
majority of
our mind. In Freud’s view, only about 10% of our behaviours are caused by conscious
awareness—about
90% are produced by unconscious factors.
According to psychoanalytic theory, most of what controls our behaviours, thoughts, and
feelings is
unknown to our aware minds. Normally, the unconscious guides us. Freud said that the mind
could be
divided into three abstract categories. These are the id, the ego, and the superego.
1. The id:
Latin for the term “it,” this division of the mind includes our basic instincts, inborn dispositions,
and
animalistic urges. Freud said that the id is totally unconscious, that we are unaware of its
workings. The id
is not rational; it imagines, dreams, and invents things to get us what we want. Freud said that
the id
operates according to the pleasure principle—it aims toward pleasurable things and away from
painful
things. The id aims to satisfy our biological urges and drives. It includes feelings of hunger,
thirst, sex, and
other natural body desires aimed at deriving pleasure.
2. The ego:
Greek and Latin for “I,” this personality structure begins developing in childhood and can be
interpreted
as the “self.” The ego is partly conscious and partly unconscious. The ego operates according to
the reality
principle; that is, it attempts to help the id get what it wants by judging the difference between
real and
imaginary. If a person is hungry, the id might begin to imagine food and even dream about
food. (The id is
not rational.) The ego, however, will try to determine how to get some real food. The ego helps a
person
satisfy needs through reality.
3. The superego:
This term means “above the ego,” and includes the moral ideas that a person learns within the
family and
society. The superego gives people feelings of pride when they do something correct (the ego
ideal) and
feelings of guilt when they do something they consider to be morally wrong (the conscience).
The
superego, like the ego, is partly conscious and partly unconscious. The superego is a child’s
moral
barometer, and it creates feelings of pride and guilt according to the beliefs that have been
learned within
the family and the culture.

Conclusion:
Although these are known as structures, do not take the term literally. Freud did not mean that
these are
physical parts of our bodies or our brains. He coined these terms and proposed this division of
the mind as
abstract ideas meant to help us understand how personality develops and works, and how
mental illnesses
can develop.
Freud theorized that healthy personality development requires a balance between the id and the
superego.
These two divisions of the mind are naturally at conflict with one another: The id attempts to
satisfy
animal, biological urges, while the superego preaches patience and restraint. The struggle
between these
two is an example of intrapsychic conflict—conflict within the mind.
According to psychoanalytic theory, defense mechanisms are automatic (unconscious) reactions
to the fear
that the id’s desires will overwhelm the ego. Freud believed that a healthy personality was one
in which
the id’s demands are met but also the superego is satisfied in making the person feel proud and
not
overwhelmed by guilt. If the id is too strong, a person will be rude, overbearing, selfish, and
animalistic. If
the superego is too strong, a person is constantly worried, nervous, and full of guilt and anxiety
and is
always repressing the id’s desires.
An overly strong id makes one a psychopath, lacking a conscience, or an ogre, selfishly meeting
one’s
needs without concern for others. An overly strong superego, on the other hand, makes one a
worrier, a
neurotic, so overwhelmed by guilt that it is difficult to get satisfaction.

1.5.2 ERIKSON THEORY:

Erikson converted Freud’s emphasis to a focus on social relationships into eight psychosocial
stages.
These stages became known as the Eight Ages of Man. (As you know, at that time in history, the
word
man was used to apply to all human beings.)
Each of Erikson’s eight stages was described as a time of crisis—a time when the personality
would go
one way or the other. For example, you’ve likely heard of the identity crisis. Erikson theorized
that during
adolescence, we all face a crisis of figuring out who we are. Each of the stages has this either-or
quality.
Meaning of communication

The word “communication” is derived from the Latin word “communico” which means “To share”. It
is the act of sharing thought, opinion, and ideas.

It is the two-way process

1. Speaker

2. Listener

Definition

“Communication is the action of conveying or exchanging information and ideas”. This is very simple
definition.

Objectives of communication

Communication can be used for following objectives

1. Information

2. Advice

3. Order

4. Suggestion

5. Persuasion

6. Education

7. Warning

8. Motivation

9. Counselling

10 .Morale boosting
1. Information

One of the important objectives of communication is passing or receiving information about a

particular fact. If large groups have to be informed, a meeting may be called.

2. Advice

Advice is a kind of information. It means opinion given as to the action to be taken. Advice should be
related to a specific piece of work.

3.0rder

Order is an authoritative communication. It should be clear and complete. Its execution should be
possible.

4. Suggestion

Suggestion means proposing something for acceptance or rejection. Subordinates normally give
suggestion.

5. Persuasion

Promoting a person to act mostly in a positive way is known as persuasion. Persuasion is an

important objective of communication.

6. Education

Education involves imparting instruction, character, building, enriching mental faculties, giving
training to human being etc. it aims the knowledge and improving skills.

7. Warning

Warning is forceful means of communication. It gives oral or written.

Example; no smoking, beware of dogs, dangers.

8. Motivation

Interest ion job in the minds of employees is known as motivation. A motivated worker does not
need much supervision.

9. Counseling

Counseling is objective and impersonal, whereas advice is a personal touch. Counseling is almost
professional, whereas advice is not so.

10. Morale boosting

It refers to team spirit and co-operation of people for a common purpose. If the workers are highly
motivated, morale is also said to be high.

FIVE TYPES OF COMMUNICATION

In preparing for my Fall course: Communications for Professionals, I’ve been thinking more and more
about the different types of communication. In previous years, I have outlined four types of
communication, but I believe there are actually five types of communication: verbal, non-verbal,
written, listening, and visual.

VERBAL COMMUNICATION

Verbal communication occurs when we engage in speaking with others. It can be face-to-face, over
the telephone, via Skype or Zoom, etc. Some verbal engagements are informal, such as chatting with
a friend over coffee or in the office kitchen, while others are more formal, such as a scheduled
meeting. Regardless of the type, it is not just about the words, it is also about the caliber and
complexity of those words, how we string those words together to create an overarching message, as
well as the intonation (pitch, tone, cadence, etc.) used while speaking.

And when occurring face-to-face, while the words are important, they cannot be separated from
non-verbal communication.

NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION

What we do while we speak often says more than the actual words. Non-verbal communication
includes facial expressions, posture, eye contact, hand movements, and touch. For example, if you’re
engaged in a conversation with your boss about your cost-saving idea, it is important to pay attention
to both the their words and their non-verbal communication. Your boss might be in agreement with
your idea verbally, but their nonverbal cues: avoiding eye contact, sighing, scrunched up face, etc.
indicate something different.

WRITTEN COMMUNICATION

Whether it is an email, a memo, a report, a Facebook post, a Tweet, a contract, etc. all forms of
written communication have the same goal to disseminate information in a clear and concise manner
– though that objective is often not achieved. In fact, poor writing skills often lead to confusion and
embarrassment, and even potential legal jeopardy. One important thing to remember about written
communication, especially in the digital age, is the message lives on, perhaps in perpetuity. Thus,
there are two things to remember: first, write well – poorly constructed sentences and careless
errors make you look bad; and second, ensure the content of the message is something you want to
promote or be associated with for the long haul.

LISTENING

The act of listening does not often make its way onto the list of types of communication. Active
listening, however, is perhaps one of the most important types of communication because if we
cannot listen to the person sitting across from us, we cannot effectively engage with them. Think
about a negotiation – part of the process is to assess what the opposition wants and needs. Without
listening, it is impossible to assess that, which makes it difficult to achieve a win/win outcome.

VISUAL COMMUNICATION

We are a visual society. Think about it, televisions are running 24/7, Facebook is visual with memes,
videos, images, etc., Instagram is an image-only platform, and advertisers use imagery to sell
products and ideas. Think about from a personal perspective – the images we post on social media
are meant to convey meaning – to communicate a message. In some cases that message might be,
look at me, I’m in Italy or I just won an award. Others are carefully curated to tug on our heartstrings
– injured animals, crying children, etc.