When people take personality tests, there is often a tendency to think of traits as “good” or “bad” — as if having more of one and less of another is the only way to succeed. With trait names such as "agreeable" and "antagonistic," it's not surprising that people would come to this conclusion.
But the reality is that the Big 5 Personality Model provides both the pros and cons for each side of the agreeableness spectrum (friendly/compassionate vs. critical/rational). Whether you score high in agreeableness or antagonism, the Big 5 Model can help you find the perfect career.
This article explores the Big 5 Agreeableness Trait and how it can affect career selection and job satisfaction. We'll cover strengths, weaknesses, and the best careers for people on both sides of the agreeableness spectrum.
What is Agreeableness in the Big 5 Personality Model?
Agreeableness is one of the five elements of the Big 5 Personality Model, also known as the Five Factor Model (FFM). This theory allows individuals to identify and understand their personality traits and those of others. The five traits in this model are openness to experience, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism.
Agreeableness is the trait that measures an individual's level of cooperativeness, kindness, and sympathy. In other words, it focuses on how well a person gets along with and cares for others.
What Is The Big Five Trait Of Agreeableness Psychology Definition?
Psychology defines agreeableness as the extent to which a person is motivated to maintain positive relationships with others. The opposite of the agreeableness personality trait is antagonism. This side of the spectrum includes characteristics such as being manipulative, hostile, and uncooperative.
So, while agreeable people are often described as kind and sympathetic, those low in agreeableness may be seen as rude or uncooperative.
What Does A High Score On The Big Five Agreeableness Scale Mean?
A high agreeableness score indicates that an individual is likely friendly, kind, and cooperative. They also tend to prioritize the well-being of others and may often compromise to maintain harmony in their relationships. Studies have found that agreeable individuals have higher job performance. This success is especially evident in careers that require teamwork and social interaction.
Of course, scoring high in agreeableness doesn't guarantee success in every job or career. For example, an overly agreeable individual may struggle to assert themselves in leadership positions or make difficult decisions.
What Does High Agreeableness Look Like?
You can spot someone with a high level of the Big Five trait of agreeableness by their friendly and cooperative attitude. If you like to please others and prioritize maintaining harmony in your relationships, you likely have high levels of agreeableness.
Others may also easily influence you, and you may have difficulty saying “no” to requests. As a result, some people may take advantage of your kindness and sympathy. Therefore, people with high agreeableness are often described as naïve or easily exploited.
It can be challenging to reduce levels of agreeableness, as it is a deeply ingrained personality trait. However, individuals can learn to assert themselves and set boundaries in their relationships to prevent being taken advantage of.
What Does A Low Score On The Big Five Agreeableness Scale Mean?
A low level of the Big Five trait of agreeableness indicates that an individual prioritizes personal gain over maintaining positive relationships with others. They may be described as manipulative, hostile, or uncooperative. This also means the antagonistic personality trait may be dominant for these individuals.
Conflicts are often viewed as means to achieve goals for those low in agreeableness rather than a threat to harmonious relationships. People with high antagonism may also struggle in team environments or careers involving social interaction and cooperation. However, they may work effectively in individual-focused or competitive industries where their focus on personal gain can be an advantage.
What Does Low Agreeableness Look Like?
You can spot someone low in agreeableness (aka, a high antagonism score) by their competitive and self-focused attitude. If a person neglects the feelings of others and is ready to act aggressively to achieve their own goals, they may have low agreeableness.
You can improve low agreeableness scores through therapy, personal development, and self-reflection. Improving emotional intelligence may lead to more empathy, cooperative behavior, and increased friendliness.
What Does A Moderate Score On The Big Five Agreeableness Scale Mean?
Moderate levels of agreeableness mean that individuals may have a flexible mindset and adapt their behavior accordingly. For example, they may adopt a more cooperative attitude in team environments and assert themselves effectively in individual-focused tasks. Moderate levels of agreeableness may lead to successful outcomes in various job settings.
Big 5 Traits of Agreeableness: Career and Job Satisfaction
Scientific evidence indicates that agreeable people have higher job satisfaction, which is not surprising as job satisfaction is associated with the quality of social interactions. This can be especially important in societies with a collectivistic mindset, where harmonious relationships are highly valued.
Agreeable individuals may learn more effectively in team settings through social learning, meaning they can understand and apply information through interaction with others. Good communication is essential in most job settings, and agreeable individuals are likely to have better communication skills. They can assert their own opinions and listen respectfully to the perspectives of others.
While you can choose a career that aligns with your levels of agreeableness, it is essential to remember that a single personality trait does not determine success or failure in a job. Instead, it is how individuals adapt and utilize their attributes in various job settings.
Still, it may be helpful to consider agreeableness when selecting a career path. See how you score by taking the Official Career Aptitude Test.
What Career Should I Go Into If I Score High In Agreeableness?
If you score high in agreeableness, consider careers that involve teamwork and social interaction, such as teaching, counseling, or nursing. You may also excel in customer service or human resources. Social workers, therapists, and mediators also require high levels of agreeableness to handle conflicts and maintain positive relationships with clients effectively.
What Career Should I Go Into If I Score Low In Agreeableness?
If you score low in agreeableness, consider careers where individual achievement and competitiveness are valued, such as sales or entrepreneurship. Scientists, engineers, and lawyers may also thrive in individualistic and independent job settings where they can assert themselves to reach their goals.
How Do I Know If I Have A High Level of the Big Five Trait of Agreeableness?
By knowing your agreeableness level, you can achieve better self-understanding and improve areas that may hinder your work success and relationships. That is why it is important to consider taking a personality test. You can assess your level of agreeableness with the Big Five Personality Test. This test is valid and reliable, so you can trust the results and use them to guide your career and personal development.
You can also take the Official Career Aptitude Test to see how your level of agreeableness aligns with different job options.
Remember, however, that personality traits are not fixed and can change over time. Thus, it is important to periodically reassess your agreeableness and other personality traits to track your personal growth.
