What Does Your Birth Order Say About How You Work?
How to use common birth order traits as your superpower at work (and beyond).
by: Kemi Alake
Everyone has a unique way of responding to things around them. You can bet even siblings who grew up in the same environment might not react the same way and would likely see the world differently.
Does this mean that the order in which you are born affects your behavior, or is your response shaped majorly from experiences and the result we hope to achieve eventually ?
This article gives an insight into how you can use common birth order traits as your super power for career fulfillment.
Firstborns
Common Traits:
Achievement -Oriented : Most first borns are goal driven and high achievers
Responsible : They are pioneers and problem solvers
Self confident: well organized and logical
Dominating: might be bossy and controlling
How to thrive:
Creativity - don't lose touch with your creative side, open up your mind to develop innovative ideas
Work-Life balance- you'll be more productive and content when you prioritize yourself and build personal relationships
Develop a sense of humor - it improves your mental and physical health
Tolerance - Be a part of teams that encourages open exchange of ideas
Middle Born
Common Traits
Relationship-oriented - easily support the development of positive relationships and effective communication
Agreeable- They are more likely to be empathetic and find pleasure in helping others and working with people who need more help.
Open-minded- Middle borns are free-thinking and willing to try new things or to hear and consider new ideas.
Rebellious- They are prone to easily defies rules
How to thrive
Develop a Safety Mindset - Making safe and healthy choices increases your productivity and morale
Your agreeable nature might cause some to think they can take advantage of you. You might feel used or constantly let down . Remember your superpower. You lead through cooperativeness, relationship-building, negotiation and peacemaking skills.
Last Borns
Common Traits
Risks takers - Because no dreams were ever achieved by playing it safe
Great sales person and entrepreneurs - Last Borns are charming, engaging and a natural people person
Original thinkers- They appreciate their freedom, have their own interests, and have the space and time to develop ideas
How to thrive
Be Smart: People don’t benefit from risks without preparing for them and educating themselves on the possible fall-out
Discipline: Treat people how you want to be treated and be willing to help others
Raise your standard: what you do matter and your accomplishments are original
Only Child
Common traits
Confidence: Only children have positive energy to take action to attain personal and professional goals and dreams.
High-achieving: Share similar characteristics with first borns. only children are also goal driven
Cautious- carefully consider all the options and make sure they are making the best decision possible.
How to thrive
Be flexible: You might not get your way every time and that's OK
Understand that not everyone is like you. Work on accepting their opinions and preferences.
Final Thoughts
We are all complex human beings, so these common characteristics may not apply directly to you. Self-awareness is truly a super power, so congrats on recognizing what is for you and leaving the rest.
