According to scientists, our personalities are a mixture of genetics and individual experiences. We inherit a genetic predisposition, but the environment in which we are raised can modify our personality for better or worse. We need to understand our unique personality and our early experiences that helped forge it, and then we must train ourselves to become conscious of the ways our attitudes can help or hurt us and others.
We need to be aware of the verbal and non-verbal messages our attitudes send, often without our thought or intention. Understanding the impact of our personalities on the people around us is critical.
If we are oblivious, mean-spirited, a gossip, or uncaring about others’ perspectives, we will severely limit our influence and someone else’s chances for self-fulfillment. “Reading” different personality types and observing the person’s facial expressions, body language, and posture can alert us to potential problems. If we can recognize problems before they become serious, we can adjust our personality tendencies and improve our communication methods.
Self-understanding is as important in the professional world as it is in our personal lives. As we mature, our responsibilities increase, we face bigger challenges, and we are exposed to a broader range of personalities and challenges. It isn’t enough to be self-aware, we must also be “other-aware” if we want to relate harmoniously with the people around us.
In the long run, self-knowledge will make the difference between success and mediocrity.
Source: 
When Doing It All Won't Do: A Self-Coaching Guide for Career Women--Workbook Edition--Paperback
Every now and then a person runs across a great book that really helps improve the quality of life. This is such a book! Written by top coaches of executive women, Barb McEwen and John Agno, the goal of When Doing It All Won’t Do is to develop solutions and strategies to help women’s lives be easier, richer, happier, and saner.
It’s based on the premise that doing it all won’t do. If you are a woman who is weary and stressed and taking on too much and struggling to juggle it all, this book is dedicated to helping you find the enjoyment and satisfaction you expected with your success.
Well-organized with real solutions and a helpful workbook section, this book focuses on developing your signature talents to do what you do best, developing a formula for success, and prioritizing your values and goals. A great read!
