Multifaceted Personality meaning (A Complete Guide)
In this article, we will discuss the meaning of Multifaceted Personality. We will do that by defining what ‘multifaceted’ is and discuss it in the context of personality. We will move on to explain the significance of a multifaceted personality in the present age. Furthermore, we will discuss how such a personality looks like in real life and what do parents have to avoid while raising children with a multifaceted personality. In the end, we will answer a few questions related to multifaceted personalities.
Multifaceted Personality meaning
The dictionary defines multifaceted as something with many facets or aspects. It refers to a combination of different features, parts, and perspectives to make a complex whole. If we apply the same concept to an individual’s personality, multifaceted means someone who has many features, traits, skills, and talents. It describes people who have a diverse personality and has expertise in multiple areas. These people are the jack of all trades.
“A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one.”-Spanish Proverb
Importance or need for multifaceted personality
In the present world, the need or importance of a multi-faceted personality is quite high. Since we are aware that our society functions on the principle of survival of the fittest, people compete with others to stand out. Here, a person with diverse talents and skills has an advantage over their competitors. They have a unique ability to stand out from the crowd due to their multiple potentials.
“I think if you have ability and talent in one way, you have it in all ways. I’m not a jack of all trades; I’m a master of many. I don’t feel there is anything I can’t do if I want to.” –Evel Knievel
In a competitive world like this, raising a child that can compete in the race with others is quite difficult for parents of the current generation. They want their child to be able to survive and pass the test of life. They invest their time, energy, and effort to help their children get the best education and develop unique talents.
It is fascinating and true what John Locke said about children. He stated that when children are born in the world they are like a blank slate. Their experiences shape them into adults. So, this means that they can be molded into distinct individuals based on how they are brought up or reared by their parents. This is in accordance with what a behavioral psychologist said-
“Give me a dozen healthy infants, well-formed, and my own specified world to bring them up in and I’ll guarantee to take any one at random and train him to become any type of specialist I might select—doctor, lawyer, artist, merchant-chief and, yes, even beggar-man and thief, regardless of his talents, penchants, tendencies, abilities, vocations, and race of his ancestors. (1930)”― John Broadus Watson, Behaviorism
Development of a multifaceted personality
The foundation of developing a multifaceted personality among people starts from a very early age. Such people can grow best in nurturing environments where there is encouragement and support. Principles of behavioral psychology including reinforcement and punishment can be used to teach children appropriate and inappropriate behavior.
Furthermore, parents can work as models to guide their children on how to behave and tackle stress. They can teach them skills of observation so that they are attentive to their environment and pick out the required demands and accordingly fulfill them. They can also teach them the valuable skill of listening and empathy. Being empathic is seeing the world from another person’s perspective. This enables such children to emotionally connect with others and be tolerant of differences. They are also open to multiple perspectives and having different experiences.
Another component of multifaceted personality that parents need to teach their children includes etiquette and table manners. Knowing how to present oneself in society makes a huge difference in helping such individuals stand out from the crowd. It does not only help them in their educational career but also later on in life when they enter the professional world.
Giving the child confidence in their abilities can be the greatest gift a parent can give to them. It basically means that the child was encouraged and he or she felt secure when making a judgment. Such children are also not afraid of exploring their environments. They can handle stressors easily by using adaptive coping strategies. In addition to that, they are not afraid of taking risks and chances in order to grow as a person.
The purpose behind raising children to be multifaceted
The purpose of helping children become multifaceted personality is to boost their confidence and improve their verbal and nonverbal communication skills to assist them in standing out from the crowd. Furthermore, it is to enhance their knowledge and skills so that they are not afraid of transcending boundaries and limits. It also includes learning skills of etiquette and self-presentation. Being multifaceted does not mean one is oblivious to one’s weaknesses. Rather, acknowledging and working on improving one’s weak areas is a sign of a person with an internal strength of character.
Parents who want to encourage their children to develop multifaceted personalities need to remember a few things. These include the following:
Do not ignore your child’s weaknesses.
Many parents turn a blind eye to the flaws and weaknesses of their children. Although they do not do this intentionally, it is only that they see the best part of their child. This is not a bad thing. However, a more healthy approach would be to be objective and see both the strengths and weaknesses of their child. In other words, they need to step back and look at the broader picture.
Once they identify any weaknesses, they can help their children accept it as natural and eventually assist them to overcome them and grow. This gives them the message that beauty lies in imperfection and that the journey of self-growth continues throughout life. One should not be ashamed of having flaws.
Parents also need to realize that developing a multifaceted personality is not a simple process that happens overnight. It is a long and lifetime process that takes place at a gradual pace. They need to be patient and overcome setbacks in a calm manner. It is also important that they know that the development of personality starts from the day their children are born and it will continue throughout their life. Children do not only learn from their parents but also from school and friends. It is important that they are given the freedom to learn from multiple sources and given guidance if they make mistakes.
Pushing children into things that are not interested in can actually backfire. A lot of parents force their children to do things they think are best for them. However, even if their intention is good, it can actually have a negative impact since it creates feelings of resentment in the child. They do not invest their energy and effort into things that do not interest them. It is important that they are not coerced or forced into situations. Rather a nurturing and supportive environment can help them uncover their hidden potential and be their best self. Parents need to realize that they are can only serve as our guide to them. They do not have to push them to live in the way they want.
Be a good role model. A lot of things children learn are by imitation. Albert Bandura, a famous psychologist, and theorist of the behavioral school of thought in psychology said,
‘Fortunately, most human behavior is learned observationally through modeling from others.’ Albert Bandura
During childhood, parents serve as models whose behavior children copy or imitate. Thus, it is important that if parents want their children to develop in a healthy manner, they need to serve as a healthy guide as well. John Locke said
‘We are like Chameleons, we take our hue and the color of moral character from those who are around us’.
So, in a way instead of placing unrealistic expectations on their children, parents need to learn to be the mentor first who knows all the things he/she wants to teach their child.
On needs to broaden the definition of a multifaceted personality to include things beyond educational achievement. It can include someone who is able to connect with others at a social level and use social skills to expand their social network. Such people have an optimistic and positive approach to life. They do not give up in the face of difficulties. In other words, they are resilient people who know how to battle with challenges. They use a blend of their knowledge, skills, and expertise to overcome setbacks. Furthermore, they are emotionally stable and live a meaningful and fulfilled life. Having basic life skills to live life in a healthy manner is at the core of a multifaceted personality. The real beauty lies in always striving to improve, grow, and be unique. The following quote sums up the attractive part of having a multifaceted personality.
“I think a singular identity isn’t very interesting, and I’m a little bit more multifaceted as a person than that.” –Catherine Opie
FAQs: Multifaceted Personality meaning
What is a multifaceted personality?
Multifaceted refers to something with multiple features or aspects. So, a multifaceted personality would be someone with multiple talents, skills, and expertise over different subjects. In a way, a multifaceted person is a diverse personality.
What does a multifaceted approach mean?
A multifaceted approach means something that has multiple facets or aspects especially in the field of healthcare.
Is multifaceted a compliment?
Yes, Multifaceted can be a compliment but it depends on how a person interprets it. It basically refers to having multiple aspects or skills. So, the context of a situation decides whether it is said in the form a compliment or an insult.
Can a person be multifaceted?
Yes, a person can be multifaceted especially if he has multiple skills and talents.
Conclusion
In this article, we discussed Multifaceted Personality meaning. We found that the dictionary defines multifaceted as something with many facets or aspects. It refers to a combination of different features, parts, and perspectives to make a complex whole. If we apply the same concepts to an individual’s personality, multifaceted means someone who has many features, traits, skills, and talents. It describes people who have diverse personalities and have expertise in multiple areas. These people are the jack of all trades.
I hope you found this article interesting. If you have any queries or comments, please state them in the comment section 😊
Citations
https://www.yourdictionary.com/multifaceted
https://medium.com/@petal.empyreanschool/developing-a-multifaceted-personality-9f8786af396a