Question

The text defines personality as “a person’s relatively stable feelings, thoughts, and behavioral patterns” while values are “stable life goals, reflecting what is most important to them.” Pick one of the “Big Five Personality Traits” (see figure 2.5) that details the most important trait for your current job. Describe why this is the most important. Give an example of how this personality trait aligns with one of your professional goals.

Big Five Personality Traits....

Openness to experience (inventive/curious vs. consistent/cautious). Appreciation for art, emotion, adventure, unusual ideas, curiosity, and variety of experience. Openness reflects the degree of intellectual curiosity, creativity and a preference for novelty and variety a person has. It is also described as the extent to which a person is imaginative or independent and depicts a personal preference for a variety of activities over a strict routine. High openness can be perceived as unpredictability or lack of focus, and more likely to engage in risky behaviour or drug taking.^[4] Also, individuals that have high openness tend to lean towards being artists or writers in regards to being creative and appreciate the significance of the intellectual and artistic pursuits.^[5] Moreover, individuals with high openness are said to pursue self-actualization specifically by seeking out intense, euphoric experiences. Conversely, those with low openness seek to gain fulfillment through perseverance and are characterized as pragmatic and data-driven—sometimes even perceived to be dogmatic and closed-minded. Some disagreement remains about how to interpret and contextualize the openness factor.^{[clarification needed]}

Conscientiousness (efficient/organized vs. easy-going/careless). A tendency to be organized and dependable, show self-discipline, act dutifully, aim for achievement, and prefer planned rather than spontaneous behavior. High conscientiousness is often perceived as stubbornness and obsession. Low conscientiousness is associated with flexibility and spontaneity, but can also appear as sloppiness and lack of reliability.^[6]

Extraversion (outgoing/energetic vs. solitary/reserved). Energy, positive emotions, surgency, assertiveness, sociability and the tendency to seek stimulation in the company of others, and talkativeness. High extraversion is often perceived as attention-seeking, and domineering. Low extraversion causes a reserved, reflective personality, which can be perceived as aloof or self-absorbed.^[6] Extroverted people tend to be more dominant in social settings, opposed to introverted people who may act more shy and reserved in this setting.^[7]

Agreeableness (friendly/compassionate vs. challenging/detached). A tendency to be compassionate and cooperative rather than suspicious and antagonistic towards others. It is also a measure of one's trusting and helpful nature, and whether a person is generally well-tempered or not. High agreeableness is often seen as naive or submissive. Low agreeableness personalities are often competitive or challenging people, which can be seen as argumentative or untrustworthy.^[6]

Neuroticism (sensitive/nervous vs. secure/confident). Neuroticism identifies certain people who are more prone to psychological stress.^[8] The tendency to experience unpleasant emotions easily, such as anger, anxiety, depression, and vulnerability. Neuroticism also refers to the degree of emotional stability and impulse control and is sometimes referred to by its low pole, "emotional stability". A high stability manifests itself as a stable and calm personality, but can be seen as uninspiring and unconcerned. A low stability expresses as a reactive and excitable personality, often very dynamic individuals, but they can be perceived as unstable or insecure.^[6] It has also been researched that individuals with higher levels of tested neuroticism, tend to have worse psychological well being.^[9]

Answer 1

Openness to experience (inventive/curious vs. consistent/cautious) is the personality trait that is the most important and relevant to my current job.

My professional goal currently is a mix of being innovative for new and upcoming tasks as well as maintaining a level of consistency in the already being performed and well defined tasks. When it comes to new tasks, I always look to find new and inventive ways to address the tasks rather than following the age old approach and going by the book approach. I make sure that any task allocated to me has a novel element to it which makes it interesting while being relevant. Having said that it is often seen by teammates as lack of focus and a negative approach as they expect the same approach that they have been following before. Doing things differently is not always taken positive and also considered risky. But still in the long run I have seen this trait has reaped benefits for me when the work is assessed and monitored by my supervisors and managers.

At the same time there are other tasks where the scope for being inventive or novel is minimal. There I maintain the expected level of caution and consistency. Strict adherence to standards is expected and hence not much deviation from the actual is possible.

It is about having the right mix of novelty and caution when going about your responsibilities in any organization. Change in approach is often seen as negative and cumbersome whereas at other times it is seen as refreshing and necessary. Understanding which approach to follow when is important.