Openness Wins; Agreeableness is Runner-Up

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I have been using resources on BetterUp.com to help navigate my SDJ. Today, I decided to complete one of the personality tests that indicated strengths and weaknesses. It is part of the BetterUp's "Whole Person Model" which basically says you should have one "me" -- not a "personal me" and a "work me". I can't think about that yet, but the basic concept makes sense! 




Here's what the results indicated: 

  • You are high in openness!
  • You are high in agreeableness!
  • Your score indicates a moderate level of emotional stability.
  • Your score indicates a moderate level of extraversion.
  • Your score indicates a low level of conscientiousness.

So many thoughts to process! I have to say ... I love how the first two statements are presented with exclamation points! That is right up my alley!

My highest score was in openness. That feels pretty good considering what I am trying to accomplish this year. Here is the explanation:

As an individual high in openness, you tend to be very curious about the world and are eager to enjoy new experiences and learn new things. You can be highly creative, imaginative, and adventurous and have quite the zeal to experience all that life has to offer.

All good.

I think the runner-up sounds good but has been problematic in my own life. Here is the blurb that came about with the agreeableness results:

You are high in agreeableness!

As an individual high in agreeableness, you tend to love other people and take a great interest in them. With a great deal of empathy, you enjoy helping others and assisting those in need. You have an optimistic view of human nature and this makes you generally considerate, kind, generous, trusting, and willing to compromise your interests to get along with others.

Take a moment to reflect:

How has your agreeableness helped you in your work? How does it contribute to your overall wellbeing and relationships?

I think the red flag for me (as I turn myself inside out for the good of the SDJ) is the mention of the word "compromise". I compromise A LOT. Like in every conversation. Like it gets to a point where I lose track of my own opinion because I am too busy being agreeable! I often think of this skill as making me a "peace maker" but what does that mean? At 49.5 years old, I am starting to realize that being too agreeable is probably a weakness and not a strength. This will have to be an area of reflection for me in the coming days and weeks.

Oh! And a low level of conscientiousness? I will have to save that for another day of reflection! (See that? I am so not conscientious that I am putting it off!)

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