Diversity of Opinion: How To Predict a Highly Successful Team

Some things in life are predictable- gravity, the sun rising and setting and of course a snowy Buffalo winter. We can predict these things because it’s a pattern (and trust me, if it doesn’t snow in Buffalo during winter- we’ve got bigger problems to deal with than our teams) 

So how can we apply patterns to our team’s behavior and predict successful outcomes?

If you’re familiar with DISC assessments or maybe you’ve taken a quiz to find out what kind of bird you are or something like that, then you know it’s based on repeating personality questions to get a predicted outcome. 

Today, let’s talk about the "Big Five" personality traits, often remembered by the acronym OCEAN. OCEAN describes a broad spectrum of the human personality. There is no right or wrong way to answer or interpret these traits and often employers use tests like these to place their teams in a way that leads to the most success and happiness.

The five traits are: Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism 

Let’s dive in…

Openness:

This trait describes an individual's tendency to be imaginative, curious, and open to new experiences. People high in openness are often creative, intellectual, and have a broad range of interests

• We are more likely to be OPEN in a space that encourages psychological safety
• So even the most open person can be forced to clam up in a space they don’t feel safe in

Conscientiousness:

This trait reflects a person's level of organization, responsibility, and persistence in achieving goals. High-conscientious individuals are typically hardworking, reliable, and goal-oriented

Extraversion:

This trait relates to an individual's inclination to seek stimulation and attention from others. Extraverts are often sociable, energetic, and enjoy being around people 

Agreeableness:

This trait describes the extent to which a person prioritizes the needs of others. 

Individuals high in agreeableness are typically kind, compassionate, and empathetic

Neuroticism:

This refers to a person's tendency to experience negative emotions (anxiety, sadness, and stress) High-neuroticism individuals tend to be more reactive to stress and may experience a wider range of negative emotions

You can take the quiz here to see how your rank 

If you took the quiz, were you shocked by your result? Do you think your team could benefit from DISC assessments and a lead conversation on what it all means? 

Let me know! Taking these types of quizzes together is a conversation starter that helps us work better together for ultimate safety and best outcomes.