The Big Five utilizes a combination of five traits to assess an individual’s personality: Openness, Conscientiousness, Extroversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism. An easy way to remember the five traits is through the acronym OCEAN. Everyone has a different amount of each of these traits; rather than saying people either possess a trait or don’t, the Big Five test notes that each person ranges on a spectrum between the two extremes.
What is Agreeableness?
The Agreeableness trait is a measure of how easily an individual can get along with other people. Those who are more agreeable tend be more patient and empathetic toward others. Those who rank lower in agreeableness tend to be more blunt about their opinions.
More Agreeable people tend to…
- Be more naturally altruistic
- Go with the flow more easily
- Cooperate and work well with others
- Feel concern for their community
Less Agreeable people tend to…
- Be innately competitive and candid
- Take less interest in others’ lives
- Express themselves through sarcasm
- Prefer working independently
Working with someone who is high in Agreeableness
When someone scores higher in this category, they are more likely to be sensitive, polite, and cheerful. They are loyal and considerate of others’ feelings, tending to offer support and sympathy to those in need of help. Agreeableness makes them generally well-liked and appreciated by other people.
Communicating with someone who is high in Agreeableness
Be open and vulnerable, working to build an honest connection; encourage them to consider their own needs, as well. Ask for their honest opinion.
Careers for someone who is high in Agreeableness
People who are more agreeable tend to empathize easily with others. They thrive in environments that encourage them to build connections and make a positive contribution to their community.
Potential job ideas for those who rank higher in this area are:
- Counselor
- Nurse
- Teacher
- Religious Leader
- Veterinarian
- Non-Profit Organizer
- Judge
The Big Five embraces five very different personality traits, and each person has a different combination of each. It’s important to note that potential jobs for highly agreeable people could vary if the person has an additional strong trait.
Working with someone who is low in Agreeableness
When someone is lower in this trait, they tend to have a difficult time connecting with and understanding the emotions of others. They are usually more upfront about their personal opinions and may be perceived as rude. Low Agreeableness means they are less naturally-inclined to empathize with other people.
Communicating with someone who is low in Agreeableness
Be direct and clear when sharing your perspective, remaining patient and encouraging them to express themselves more gently; allow them space to reflect, if necessary.
Careers for someone who is low in Agreeableness
Less agreeable people tend to do a better job in environments that don’t expect them to connect emotionally with others. They thrive in careers that are objective and logical, as it allows them to be direct.
Potential job ideas for those who rank lower in this area are:
- Accountant
- Engineer
- Scientist
- Surgeon
- Computer Programmer
- Author
- Venture Capitalist
Each person is different and has a unique blend of the Big Five traits. Potential jobs will differ if some decide to pursue a career that favors a different personal attribute.
