The present paper attempts to examine the inherent connection between personality and success. The term personality is derived from Latin word persona, a mask worn by actors in classical dramas. Behaviorist psychologists feel that if a person has some kind of impact or makes a certain impression on others, it must be because of his actions. The simplest meaning of personality, therefore, is “the pattern of responses” which characterizes the individual. An individual’s personality is invariably revealed through interactions in the personal, social and the professional arena, for the act of communication determines how one views and in return is viewed by the world around. In the modern world of professional rivalry and competitive business, obsessed with power and achievement, personality becomes the byword for success. There are qualities that enable one to evolve and grow into an empowered and well-balanced personality, a choice that proves to be a wise investment for long-term achievements. Such qualities along with the ability to effectively communicate and interact have become much sought after, with everyone trying to understand how one may acquire them. So much so that soft skills and personality development have become the new slogans for professional and career advancement. The paper examines a few such skills and also how one may cultivate them. The paper also takes a look at whether these should be/can be acquired merely for material success or else, these constitute an inherent part of a certain way of living having roots in time-tested and acknowledged cultural practices that leads one to peace, harmony and happiness.

Contrary to the general idea that good personality refers to good physical features or ‘trendy’ looks, personality includes many other important behavioral and mental features. Take the example of Mahatma Gandhi. Most people did not find him to be attractive or impressive as far as his physical make – up was concerned. Yet, this short, meek looking, bald, dhoti – clad old looking man moved and inspired the entire nation to stand up and demand freedom. Even today he is known for his ‘Personality’ which established everlasting impression on the people around him and made him the man of fame and world. There have been many others too, relatively recently being Barack Obama, the President of America, who electrified Americans, captured their imagination, inspired million viewers with his twenty minutes speech at the stage of 2004 Democratic National Convention. He, with his outstanding soft skills and emotional intelligence not only transcended race and historic barriers, but also conveyed his vision, inspired confidence, persuaded and motivated people and became America’s first African American President.

Thus what makes the difference is the unde