A psychologist claims that answering these four questions at work can improve your relationships and increase your success.

To excel at work, it is challenging to establish deep connections with colleagues. Many individuals maintain superficial relationships with their colleagues, having enough camaraderie for casual conversations about their personal lives or lighthearted banter, but lacking a genuine understanding of each other's personalities and character traits.

According to organizational psychologist Richard Davis, who has over 18 years of experience advising CEOs and clients ranging from the National Basketball Association to Canada Goose, four quick questions can significantly alter the situation.

"According to Davis, who spoke with CNBC Make It, there are numerous factors that can be distilled into five key personality traits. These traits, which Davis refers to as the "personality blueprint," include intellect, emotionality, sociability, drive, and diligence."

According to Davis' book "Good Judgment," published last week, the four questions can reveal personality traits.

1. Who was an early influencer of yours?
2. How are you similar or different from that person?
3. Describe the people in your inner circle of friends.
4. What are your friend turn-offs?

Understanding someone's past can reveal a lot about them, whether in a work or non-work setting, according to Davis. Each question can lead to further inquiries, such as comparing or contrasting someone's personality with their mother's early influence on them.

If your colleague has a group of extroverted friends who are vocal, they may appreciate it if you schedule the next coffee chat you have with them, relieving them of the task.

Building relationships based on people's "core values" is crucial, according to Davis. A 2023 survey from the Society of Human Resource Management found that 85% of workers with strong, authentic connections in the workplace reported a positive impact on their career.

Before judging someone else's character, it's important to first develop self-awareness and understand oneself better.

According to Davis, reflecting on the personality blueprint one described is extremely helpful in accurately characterizing others.

How to build self-awareness

Gaining self-awareness involves seeking feedback from others, as psychologist Juliette Han explained in Make It last year. 'It's important to recognize your own strengths through the perspectives of those around you,' she said.

Tamar Gendler, a Yale University philosophy and psychology professor, suggests that Socrates often posed the question "why" in response to everything someone said or asked.

If you want to overcome your perfectionism, consider asking yourself questions such as: What makes it hard for me to accept my mistakes? What am I afraid of if I make a mistake? Why do I place such a high value on external validation?

Gendler added that it may be helpful to imagine oneself having the same conversation with a real-life friend.

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