In the study of psychology, there are five broad dimensions used to describe personality of individuals. These include; extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism and openness to experience (Srivastava, 2013). These factors have a variety of other aspects and characteristics acquired from a study of traits evident in individuals’ descriptions of themselves and other people around them.
The first factor is Extraversion; a term used to describe an individual trait of being in touch with the external world. Extroverts are interactive and spend a lot of time talking and associating with friends, family and strangers alike. They are often active and willing to engage in physically and mentally involving activities in order to acquire self-satisfaction through the experience. The ability to interact and socialize with people will enable the person perform well in group projects thus achievement of excellent results. They are optimistic in seeking solutions to problems a company may face and contribute actively to the actualization of every project started (Psychometric Success, 2012). This would prove beneficial to management and such employees are highly valued. Their assertive nature makes them determined and strong at coming up with new ideas and ensuring they are taken into consideration in the search for solutions.
Subsequently, the trait of Agreeableness is characterized by sympathy and kindness to other people (Srivastava, 2013). It displays the differences individuals have in relation to cooperation and peaceful social co-existence. Individuals with these traits often know how to interact with others. They make their views heard while at the same time give consideration to other people’s opinions. Their considerate nature makes them able to compromise their interests in a bid to please others. This nature is also useful in the customer service departments where an employee will be able to understand customers’ needs and cater for them in the best way possible. They are able to handle customer complaints sympathetically and calmly ensuring the customer has the best customer experience.
According to Srivastava (2013), conscientiousness is concerned with an individual’s ability to control and direct impulses experiences. It is characterized by organization and skills in planning. Often, situations arise where there is need to make quick decisions at work; impulse may drive us to make wrong decisions but control will help us rationalize before acting. This will prevent errors that may lead to disasters, loss of funds or even being fired.
Sigmund Freud used the term Neuroticism to refer to a trait characterized by mental distress and emotional instability. This makes it hard to cope with the constant demands of life. It can be used to refer to the habit of having negative feelings about something or someone. This can be called a ‘hunch’. In individual performance this can be useful in detecting wrong decisions before they are carried out. An employee may feel a corporate decision about to be made is not right and may be risky. This will probe him or her to look further into its details in case there are weaknesses and correct them before they cost the company.
Last but not least, there is Openness to experience a trait characterized by an interest in new things and experiences. Individuals with this trait are often imaginative and insightful in their actions. It allows for the appreciation of beauty and a curiosity useful in the field of art and architecture. It also makes an individual open to innovations of management; they are ready to try new things as long as there is a good chance of success (Psychometric Success, 2012). No matter what trait an individual may have, in order to become all-rounded and excellent in every venture they engage in, there is a need to borrow from each of the Big Five personality traits. Use their advantages to downplay their weaknesses in performance.
References
Srivastava, S. (2013). Measuring the Big Five Personality Domains, Retrieved Jan. 26, 2013 from http://psdlab.uoregon.edu/bigfive.html
Psychometric Success. (2012). The Big 5 Aspects of Personality, Retrieved Jan. 26, 2013 from http://www.psychometric-success.com
