The Most Over-Represented Trait in Leaders
I was a director who worked within a triad of three executives. Each one was strong-willed, opinionated, and took it quite personally when their ideas were not the ones that were agreed upon. It was quite possible that I could easily upset any of them at any time.
I navigated this treacherous territory quite well.
Coworkers often asked me how I managed to work with all three without making any enemies. I didn’t quite have the words to explain it until I read Tracy Bower’s Forbes article on agreeableness as a trait to gain success in your life and work.
What I had on my side was that I grew up in a family-run business that was full of opinions and emotions, and I had learned agreeableness. Combine that with being the youngest of five siblings, I was also the peacemaker. These are traits that have served me well both in my work and personal life.
Agreeableness is not someone who is a doormat or someone who surrenders easily.
Browser explains that agreeableness is the skillful ability to retain personal power and opinions while getting things done. She credits the ability to focus on goals, the needs of others and the community, and a positive, hopeful perspective as what makes agreeableness possible and attractive.
Agreeableness is a Leadership Trait
New research looked at 1.9 million people across 3,900 different studies and found the characteristic of agreeableness was hugely impactful for everything from career growth and effectiveness to generating greater happiness. In fact, agreeableness, one of the five in the Big Five of Personality Traits, was the most over-represented trait in leaders and successful organizations.
How can you identify someone who demonstrates agreeableness? They are able to manage their own emotional energy, they behave warmly, friendly, empathetic, kind, and cooperative. In addition, agreeable people tend to be optimistic and get along well with others. In fact, agreeableness may enhance your career trajectory.
Where Do You Rank?
To check out how you rank on the Big Five Personality Test, you can take the test for free here: https://www.123test.com/personality-test/ (We are in no way associated with this site).
Agreeableness is a trait that tends to run high in successful leaders, and organizations where the focus is on positivity, the needs of people, and striving toward a healthy future. Leaders who are agreeable tend to draw others in and desire for them to be fulfilled and get ahead. They value thriving work environments and communities.
The good news is that you can improve your agreeableness by:
Seeking out role models and mentors who demonstrate highly agreeable qualities.
Intentionally place yourself in situations where agreeableness is important.
Practice the skills and mantras taught in the Navigating Challenging Dialogue® Process (www.ncdsolution.com)
How might it benefit you to build agreeableness as a strength?