When it comes to understanding what makes a person successful, there are many different factors to consider. Intelligence, education, and experience all play a role, but so do a person’s personality traits.
In this article, we’ll look at each of the five personality traits and how they relate to success.
In particular, the “Big Five” personality traits – openness to experience, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism (also known as emotional stability) – are strongly related to success.
You will learn more about the importance of understanding your own strengths and weaknesses in these traits and how to develop them to achieve your goals.
What Are the Five Major Personality Traits?
The concept of the Big Five personality traits originated in the field of psychology in the 1940s and 1950s, but it wasn’t until the 1980s that it began to gain widespread acceptance.
Research has shown that these five traits are relatively stable across a person’s lifetime and are found in cultures around the world. The Big Five traits are often measured using self-report questionnaires, but they can also be assessed through observations and interviews.
Openness to Experience – characterised by an appreciation for art, imagination, curiosity, and new experiences. People who score high in this trait are likely to be creative and open-minded.
Conscientiousness – the trait of being responsible, dependable, and self-disciplined. People who score high in this trait are likely to be organised and goal-oriented.
Extraversion – characterised by outgoingness, sociability, and a desire for attention and stimulation. People who score high in this trait are likely to be assertive and confident.
Agreeableness – characterised by being cooperative, empathetic, and compassionate. People who score high in this trait are likely to be friendly and easy to get along with.
Neuroticism – characterised by anxiety, moodiness, and emotional instability. People who score high in this trait are likely to be sensitive and prone to worry.
How Are Personality Traits Related to Success?
It’s important to note that success can mean different things to different people, and what may be considered successful for one person may not be for another. That being said, researchers have found that certain personality traits are more likely to be associated with success in certain areas.
When it comes to how these personality traits are related to success, each one plays a unique role.
Openness to Experience
Openness to experience is a trait that relates to a person’s willingness to explore new knowledge, ideas, and perspectives. People who score high in this trait are often curious, imaginative, and creative. They tend to be open-minded and enjoy learning new things.
This trait is often associated with success in fields that require innovation and creativity, such as the arts and sciences. Additionally, people who are open to new experiences tend to be more flexible and adaptable, which can be valuable in a constantly changing world.
Conscientiousness
Conscientiousness is the trait that relates to a person’s level of self-discipline and achievement motivation. People who score high in this trait are often highly organised, reliable, and goal-oriented. They tend to be responsible and persistent in their efforts to achieve their goals.
This trait is often associated with success in fields that require attention to detail and hard work, such as business and academics. Additionally, people who are conscientious tend to be better at managing their time and resources, which can be valuable in achieving success.
Conscientiousness is the trait that correlates the most with traditional life success, almost as much as IQ. Conscientiousness is fundamentally the capacity to delay gratification, which is key for success in life (study instead of relaxing, work now to save for later, etc.).
Extraversion
Extraversion is a trait that relates to a person’s level of sociability and outgoingness. People who score high in this trait are often outgoing, talkative, and assertive. They tend to be confident and enjoy being around others.
This trait is often associated with success in fields that require strong interpersonal skills, such as sales and politics. Additionally, people who are extroverted tend to be more charismatic and persuasive, which can be valuable in achieving success.
Agreeableness
Agreeableness is the trait that relates to a person’s level of cooperativeness and empathy. People who score high in this trait are often kind, compassionate, and cooperative. They tend to be good listeners and enjoy helping others.
This trait is often associated with success in fields that require strong teamwork and collaboration, such as education and healthcare. Additionally, people who are agreeable tend to have better relationships with others, which can be valuable in achieving success.
Neuroticism (or Emotional Stability)
Neuroticism (also known as emotional stability) is the trait that relates to a person’s level of emotional stability and resilience. People who score high in neuroticism tend to be anxious, moody, and prone to stress. They tend to be more sensitive to negative emotions and have a harder time managing stress.
While it’s not necessarily a positive trait, it can be associated with success in fields that require high-stress management and emotional stability, such as law enforcement and the military. Additionally, people who score low in neuroticism tend to be more resilient and better at handling stress, which can be valuable in achieving success.
360 online personality testing from websites such as Personas360.com is an effective and efficient way to gain insight into one’s own unique personality traits. This type of testing provides an individual with a comprehensive view of their own strengths and weaknesses, as well as how they interact with other people and the world around them.
Through a series of questions and activities, participants gain a better understanding of their own behaviour, motivations, and preferences, which can help them to navigate life more effectively and make more informed decisions.
Conclusion
All five of the major personality traits have the potential to contribute to success. However, it’s important to note that while some traits may be more important than others in certain contexts, having a balance of all five traits can help individuals find success in a variety of situations.
Remember that success can be defined in many different ways, and what one person considers to be successful may not be the same as another person. Each individual’s path to success is unique, and it’s important to understand and embrace your own personality traits in order to achieve your goals.
