Common Traits of Genuine People

Research shows that those with higher levels of Emotional Intelligence (EQ) are more successful in the workplace. EQ can be understood as a personal competence that allows us to understand and manage our tendencies and behaviors.

Evidence suggests that higher EQ can be directly linked with more professional success. A survey by TalentSmart tested more than one million people. It was found that individuals with high EQs earn $29,000 more as compared to those with low EQs. Furthermore, an increase of just one point in your EQ can add $1,300 to your salary, and 90 percent of the high-achievers and top performers have a high EQ. EQ is, therefore, a powerful tool for a person who wants to succeed both in his personal and professional spheres of life.

Human beings tend to be skeptical and don’t accept EQ or any other abstract concept at face value. For this reason, our EQ can not benefit us unless people around us believe that our emotions are valid, and we are genuine. People tend to value genuine people, while those perceived as “fake” are not respected. This is ironic since the whole intention of “fakeness” is to impress others. Fake people consider the opinions of people more important than those who do. Even then, they fail to gain the trust and appeal that they want.

We all look for genuine people when we are searching for friendships or business partnerships. There are several reasons why genuine people score higher in the likeability threshold. People tend to trust a genuine person over a fake one because they believe that someone true to themselves is likely to be honest and true to them. We also find individuality and uniqueness highly attractive traits, and genuine people have high levels of them. People also associate genuineness with other appealing traits like emotional resilience, the strength of character, tenacity, bravery, and confidence. Therefore, they are drawn more to genuine people.

So, if you want to be a genuine and effective person, especially in the workplace, you must learn how to be one. Here are some common habits of genuine people that you can start cultivating in yourself:

Genuine people don’t try desperately hard.

Someone genuine has an aura of self-awareness and the confidence and comfort that it ensues. They self-acceptance of who they are, and an understanding that not everyone will understand them. They don’t show off or make desperate moves for attention. Even though it may be difficult, they are grounded enough to be able to make decisions that may be unpopular, if that is needed to do what is right. They take responsibility and avoid the blame-game when the going gets tough.

They possess solid self-esteem.

Genuine people have self-esteem that is solid because it is neither too high nor too low. This enables them to take in both positive and negative feedback, and identify where there is room for improvement without reducing their overall sense of self-worth. Since they are not threatened by imperfection, they don’t have difficulty in absorbing criticism and failure and accepting their faults. They are also more accepting of others as they are not threatened by imperfection or a sense of being inferior.

They pave their own path.

They are driven by their own productive motivations and prefer carving a path for themselves rather than following the existing status quo. They are both explorative and inquisitive by nature and don’t get satisfied until they lead their own way.

They are open-minded.

To be genuine means to keep an open mind, and have keen curiosity and an eagerness to learn. People find those with open minds more approachable because they don’t pass judgments, tolerate judgmental people, and are not guided by any preconceived notions about others. The reason why they are more accepting of others is that they embrace differences and individuality, and are honest about their own faults too. Genuine people have a pure perspective because they understand human complexity and refuse to view people through the lens of preconceived notions. This enables them to develop and maintain honest and direct relationships and interactions.

Genuine people are respectful and generous.

They are confident about themselves, but also accept that they are not better than anyone else. Genuine people always treat everyone with manners and respect. Also, they are team players who help others by sharing knowledge and resources, particularly with those who need them the most.

They are not driven by material gains.

Genuine people value time and experiences over things and money. They derive happiness from memories created with friends and family instead of from material things such as the latest gadgets.

They can be happy alone.

Genuine people like living in the moment. They don’t like being restricted by the inabilities, fears, or apprehensions of others. If they want to do something, they can do it with or without company. They realize the importance of time, and if they do rely on others, they will consider their setbacks as their own.

They are trustworthy.

A genuine person is honest in both personal and professional relationships. Such people have high integrity and stick to their words.

They practice what they preach.

Genuine people are highly self-aware, and far from being hypocritical. This means that they do what they say and don’t say what they don’t do.

They are not threatened by failure.

Genuine people see failure as instructive as opposed to threatening. They use it as an opportunity to learn and grow and accept that it is an essential part of their journey. This gives them the guts to take the road less traveled instead of following conventional paths that are “safer” and “bound to lead to success.” The benefit of this approach is that they are able to come up with new solutions that are better than those available.

Living a more authentic life will help you on the path of self-discovery and self-improvement. Being more genuine will lead to success in both your personal and professional lives. But remember, balance is essential. Don’t overdo any of these things, and ensure that the goals you set are moderate when it comes to adopting and developing these habits.

Do you want to develop and polish your Emotional Intelligence, Self Awareness and Servant Leadership qualities?

Some courses that may help you develop your skills in this area include.

Emotional Intelligence, Social Intelligence, Improving Mindfullness, Creative Problem Solving, Improving Self Awareness , Networking within the Company, Servant Leadership