The article "Personality Can Change from One Hour to the Next," published in Scientific American, explores recent research suggesting that an individual's personality can undergo significant changes within short time intervals. This newfound understanding challenges the long-held belief that personality is stable and consistent over time.
Traditionally, personality has been conceptualized as a relatively fixed set of traits, such as extroversion, neuroticism, or anxiety, that define an individual's character and behaviour. However, emerging research that highlights the dynamic nature of personality has increasingly challenged this notion.
Personality is not static; "We do not think, feel and behave the same way at home as we do at work or while out socializing with friends. We might be seen as more conscientious at work than at home and more extroverted with friends than with co-workers."
One study discussed in the article involved over 200 participants who completed personality assessments at multiple time points throughout the day. The researchers found striking variations in personality traits such as extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, emotional stability, and openness. The results revealed that individuals' personality scores fluctuated between different time points on the same day and between days.
The findings suggest that an individual's personality is not fixed but can be influenced by various situational factors. Environmental context, social interactions, and emotional experiences were identified as potential drivers of these short-term changes. For instance, engaging in an enjoyable social activity or encountering a stressful situation could significantly impact one's extraversion or emotional stability.
The article highlights the role of social roles and expectations in shaping personality. As individuals navigate different social contexts throughout the day, they may adopt different behavioural strategies or masks to conform to specific roles. For example, someone may display more extroverted traits during a business meeting but exhibit introverted tendencies when alone.
While the idea of personality variability challenges conventional wisdom, it also offers opportunities for personal growth and development.
Understanding that personality is not rigid opens up possibilities for individuals to consciously shape and adapt their behaviours to meet the demands of different situations. By acknowledging the inherent flexibility of personality, individuals can explore and cultivate traits that align with their goals and values.
However, it is essential to note that while short-term personality changes are possible, they should not be conflated with long-term personality development. Personality traits tend to exhibit stability and predictability over longer periods. The article emphasizes that the observed fluctuations occur within a limited timeframe and do not suggest drastic long-term transformations.
To sum up, recent research suggests that personality is not as fixed as previously believed, and it can display variability within short time intervals. Environmental factors, social roles, and emotional experiences contribute to these fluctuations, challenging the traditional notion of stable personality traits. While short-term changes have implications for adaptability and personal growth, they should not overshadow the overall stability of personality over longer periods.
Implications for leaders
- 1Better Team Dynamics: By recognizing that team members' personalities may vary throughout the day, executives can create strategies, such as assigning tasks that align with individuals' temporary strengths or adopting team structures to accommodate changing personality traits.
- 2Decision Making: Considering the timing of critical decisions and accounting for the potential fluctuation in team members' personalities can help leaders optimize the decision-making process. This awareness can lead to better outcomes and more innovative solutions.
- 3
Leadership Styles: Acknowledging the variability of personality traits can assist leaders in tailoring their leadership styles accordingly. By aligning their approach with the changing traits of their team members, leaders can enhance motivation, engagement, and overall team performance.
- 4Conflict Resolution: Leaders can approach conflicts with an awareness that a team member's disposition during the conflict might differ from their typical personality. This understanding can lead to more empathetic and effective resolution strategies, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment
- 5Workplace Well-being: Leaders can promote employee well-being by providing opportunities for breaks, relaxation, and stress management. Creating a positive organizational culture can help individuals navigate these changes and maintain productivity and satisfaction.
Reference:
Russo, F. (2023, April 5). Personality can change from one hour to the next: Studies show that people may experience enormous variability in personality traits throughout the course of the day. Scientific American, Psychology.