If someone is described as having a "strong personality"

[UnhappyAndYouKnowIt]

What does that mean to you?

I would usually take it as a polite way of saying someone is domineering or a bully. But I'm second guessing myself and wondering if that's too harsh.

Either that or no self awareness.

Loud, brash, annoying.

I agree with both posts above!

I don't think it is a compliment.

This

It would guess at "loud and opinionated" which can be positive or negative but usually not neutral!

Code for arsehole.

Often used by men to describe women in the workplace.

Occasionally used by women to describe women.

Rarely used, IME, by men to describe men.

And can mean a multitude of different things from experience. None of it kind.

@Thingamebobwotsit my first thought was this is a man describing a woman

Suspect this is what I would be described at in meetings which are typically male dominated.....

Polite way of saying ‘dickhead’

I don't necessarily think it's negative.
I'm in a book group and I would describe one of our group like that. She's entertaining and good at getting us organised, maybe takes up a bit too much air time at our sessions, but great fun to be around.

It's an expression I'd use when I was being tongue in cheek. My listener would understand right away. Not necessarily about other women but yes, usually, but I'm very female, always have been.

And no, it's not entirely complimentary!

That's what I thought. It was used to describe a person who is transferring into our team, and I suppose it lets me know what is coming.

I'm overthinking it. I just felt sad that the person being described that way is a woman and I guess I wish a woman could be described as strong without it meaning "difficult".

People who take up more space and oxygen that their own personal allowance

It's usually a woman who won't put up with any shit and questions things.

It would never be used to describe a man.

I would say that's the best answer so far
Shocked by many of the other frankly misogynistic replies, such sisters together ...

I've been described as having a strong personality at work by a male.
I don't suffer fools lightly and I'm not afraid of having professional discussions in meetings where said male would prefer his opinion (not fact based, just his opinion) taken as gospel.
I said no.

Shock horror. I now have a strong personality, read disagreeable.

It means someone who gets things done and who speaks their mind. They way in which they choose to do this can either make them a bullying arsehole who’s universally loathed for good reason or a great person to work with who demonstrates influence, vision and leadership in a positive way.

My primary teacher described me as quiet with a strong personality 😅 I got the feeling she never really liked me tbh.

Also have been described as conscientious throughout secondary and in adult life, so two sides of the same coin?
To be fair, I cared much more about my school reports than either of my parents, which is probably part of it.

How the new hire fits in to the team will likely depend on the culture, the personalities of other proximal staff and the nature of the work.

Me too. I'm also generally described as one of the easiest people in the department to work with because I'm not an arsehole, just don't take shit, play games or do anything passive aggressive. Some of the senior men have issues because I don't role over and stroke their egos. I'm also a good people person, make connections well, tend to be positive and smiley so people remember me. That means I'm the strong personality in that I'm the person who stands out in the room.

Controlling and doesn't want to hear other's opinions

And me. I learned a few years ago to stand up for myself at work. Professionally. Politely. But I don’t suffer fools and am not afraid to stand up for myself and say no.

My first thought was 'overbearing'.

Has anyone else noticed particularly in the workplace it’s the ones with less desirable personality traits themselves who tend to take umbridge with you? Or ones who think they know everything, and when you don’t agree they think you are the know it all?

This.
Also see threat

Sounds like something my mum (secondary school teacher) would say at parents' evening when she's being tactful about a child who is pain in the arse.
"He's got a strong personality, but does need to work on not talking over others".

I agree with this. It's the way men describe women who are not a pushover in my workplace.