How the Big 5 Trait of Conscientiousness Affects the Way You Work

Get to know yourself by discovering the “Big 5” trait of conscientiousness, and see how your level of conscientiousness can both help and hurt you.

Would you say that you live to work?

Or, that you work to live?

Here’s another question: What does “good” work look like to you?

Is it structured and organized, like following a recipe when cooking a meal? Or do you prefer to trust your gut and go with your instinct?

The way you answer these questions reflect much about where you fall on the spectrum of Conscientiousness, one of the “Big 5” personality traits.

What is Conscientiousness?

In simple terms, Conscientiousness is a personality trait that reflects the tendency to be structured, responsible, organized, and hard-working.

Conscientious persons are typically determined and can control their impulses. You stick closely to rules and take seriously commitments you’ve made to others.

At the same time, some may find it difficult to work with you. They might feel you’re inflexible, unreasonable, or overly serious. And your attention to detail may make you a perfectionist.

What if you score low in Conscientiousness?

You appreciate a more flexible, open style of working. Rather than follow a rulebook or detailed set of instructions, you prefer to figure things out as you go. This flexibility may help you find success. And since you place a priority on fun and a good time, others enjoy working with you.

At the same time, though, you may procrastinate or prioritize the wrong things, or struggle with finishing important tasks and projects. You may even get passed over for raises, promotions, or projects because others see you as unreliable.

As with other traits, being high or low score Conscientiousness isn’t “good” or “bad.” No matter where you land on the spectrum, you’ll have inherent strengths and weaknesses.

Why is conscientiousness important?

Understanding the Conscientiousness trait can help you better see yourself the way others see you.

Further, as you learn more about Conscientiousness, you can identify which tendencies are moving you towards greater success, and which are holding you back. This will help you leverage your strengths and mitigate your weaknesses.

At the same time, this understanding will help you better understand and collaborate with others, strengthening your relationships, increasing productivity, and bringing more joy to your workplace.

How knowing about conscientiousness helps you build emotional intelligence

The more you get to know yourself (and others), the greater chances you have to adapt to persons around you, without losing yourself in the process. Rather than misinterpreting the discipline of structure or seeming lack of it, you can understand the benefits of different approaches.

For example, if a person you work or live with seems erratic, can you appreciate their spontaneity and flexibility? Doing so can help build trust, while still making sure the work gets completed on time.

On the other hand, if you consider someone too rigid or procedure-oriented, can you reflect on the benefits that come from this? A structured approach can help you increase productivity. In your personal life, such an approach can prove beneficial when managing finances or medical matters.

At the same time, you can likely still find a measure of freedom in the constraints others provide—why not try to focus on this?

Learn to recognize what both high and low Conscientiousness looks like—in yourself and others. Understanding the benefits from each style can help you enjoy and maintain meaningful relationships…

While getting the best out of everyone.

This is just the tip of the iceberg…If you’re interested in:

• For you to take the best advantage of your conscientiousness trait, what needs must you satisfy?
• If you fail to do this what will happen?
• And how can you further use what you have learned to your advantage?

Check out details about the full version of this course down below.

And check out the next article, where we’ll be tackling the next Big 5 trait:

Extraversion.

Can you think of someone else who might want to get to know themselves? Consider taking this “mini personality master class” together: Just share the link to this article.

You’ve just read a small portion of my course:

Get to Know Yourself: Understand Your Personality and Build Self-Awareness

If you like what you’re learning, consider purchasing lifetime access to the full version of this course, which includes:

• Three different personality assessments, to help you further identify where you sit on the Big 5 traits
• Expanded insights and application
• Short, easy-to-digest videos illustrating key points
• An editable, printable workbook with exercises and journal prompts to help you discover and understand your personality