Is Your Personality Costing You Opportunities at Work?
Psychology Today
by Shannon Sauer-Zavala Ph.D.February 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Feeling stuck at work? You might be overlooking a surprising culprit: your personality traits. While skills and experience often take the spotlight when discussing career stagnation, it’s your default patterns of behavior that may be holding you back from advancing. The article highlights how traits that once fueled early success—like reliability or diligence—can become liabilities as roles evolve. For instance, Kelly, a highly dependable employee, was passed over for leadership opportunities because her personality didn’t align with the assertiveness and innovation required for higher-level roles.
This phenomenon is not isolated to individual cases. Many professionals face similar challenges when their traits, honed during early career stages, clash with the demands of growth. For example, agreeable team players may struggle to advocate for themselves or secure resources, while introverted experts might avoid self-promotion, limiting their visibility. The article emphasizes that personality is not static; it’s a set of patterns shaped by context and experience. By intentionally adjusting behaviors, individuals can align their traits with the demands of new roles without sacrificing authenticity.
The key takeaway is that growth often requires shifting from fit to growth mindset. This means embracing change and experimenting with new habits. For Kelly, this meant closing her door occasionally to focus on innovation, delegating tasks to create space for leadership, and speaking up even when ideas weren’t fully formed. These small shifts helped redefine how others—and herself—perceived her potential.
Understanding the interplay between personality and career advancement is crucial for mental health. Feeling stuck can lead to frustration and anxiety, but recognizing that your traits can be reframed offers hope. By taking proactive steps to align your behavior with desired roles, you can unlock new opportunities and achieve long-term career satisfaction. This approach not only fosters personal growth but also supports overall well-being by addressing the root causes of professional stagnation.
Verticals
healthmental-health
Originally published on Psychology Today on 2/22/2026