Big Five Personality Traits - Essay Example

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN Big Five Personality Traits A trait can be defined as a psychological pattern of behavior that a personality exhibits frequently. Different characters show different traits that are interdependent on a number of factors. A character may be controllable at the same uncontrollable. Interestingly, it is very difficult for individual to change their traits. However, it is possible to change the behavior of a person. A trait is intrinsic in nature (Rughani, pp.1-2). One of the concepts that have been developed to classify the different types of traits demonstrated by personalities is the Big Five model. It took a serious research for the developers of the model to come up with the traits that most personalities can fit into in the society. A computer application was used to examine the correlation between data collected and the traits of individuals. The process was repeatedly done so as researchers could come up with comprehensive findings. Some of the contributors who made remarkable efforts in coming up with the Big Five Personality traits include Cattell, Norman, and Allport. Although the initial traits that had been suggested were approximately 4500 traits, they were reduced to around 35 after a further analysis by other researchers. Finally, the taxonomy was developed that categorized the traits into five (Rughani, pp.3-8). The table below demonstrates the Big Five traits where most of the personality fit. The Big Five Traits Agreeableness Antagonism Neuroticism Emotional Stability Openness to experience Not open to experience Extrovert Introvert Conscientiousness Un-directedness Source: Essentials of Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Assessment According to the traits that have been outlined in the Big Five, almost all personality fit in one of the categories that were identified in the taxonomy. In analyzing the five traits, my personality fits in the five traits that were developed. I like to interact will all types of people irrespective of their stratum in the society. According to the Big Five, Extroverts are people who are sociable, talkative and very assertive. In addition, sometimes I tend to worry about things that cause a lot of stress. The Big Five categories my personality as a person who exhibits neuroticism. The two traits describe my personality. Although, neuroticism is considered to be an internal weakness, I have tried my best to correct the trait my diverting my attention to physical exercises. On the other hand, antagonist personalities are people who like creating arguments. Introverts are reserved people who do not like interacting with other people. Conscientious personalities are dependable people and like orderliness. Those who are open demonstrate a high level of imaginativeness and consider the opinions of other people. They are very flexible and rational and take their time before making any decision. The Big Five demonstrates traits a majority of my colleagues in the University have. A majority of them have at least one of the traits described in the Big Five theory (Rughani, pp.8-10). Myers-Briggs Assessment The questionnaire was created to assess the psychological patterns that personalities follow to make decisions. The main contributors were Briggs Myer and Katherine Briggs. Individuals can take an online test to establish their personality. Every individual must acknowledge that they are uniquely created although we share some characteristics. The framework illustrates how people can have similar characteristics whereas other may be having different characteristics. It is imperative for us students to use the questionnaire to try and establish some of our character traits. Once we determine our traits, it will be easier for us to choose the careers that best suit us. The character individuals have influences the career path that they are likely to pick. Careers differ in nature and require individuals who have traits that can enable them handle some of the tasks assigned. For instance, marketers are supposed to be professionals who are persuasive and patient in nature. According to the Myers-Briggs model, personalities demonstrate four types of traits. The table below illustrates the categories of behavior Myers came up with (Quenk, pp.1-4). Myers Briggs Theory Extraversion Introversion Sensing Intuition Thinking Feeling Judgment Perception Source: Essentials of Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Assessment According to the theory, there are sixteen types of personalities. Similar to the Big Five traits, extroverts refer to personalities that are outgoing. I like spending much of my time interacting with other people and like to explore new things. In my earlier days at the University, the situation was quite different. In the earlier days at the institution, I was reserved and did not like interacting with other people. Part of the reason is that there were new people in the University that I had not before. However, after some time, I became acquainted with other students and started going out to parties (Quenk, pp.8-9). People have different ways of processing information. There are those who prefer dealing with facts, others prefer having clear information whereas other prefer to witness tangible evidence before processing information. The type of personalities is sensitive to issues. Other people like to consider the ideas presented. In addition, they critically scrutinize the ideas carefully to establish their validity. Also, they understand that multiple causes affect situation therefore they have an eye for detail information. The type of personality likes to revoke their intuition in whatever they are undertaking. According to the description of the Myers-Briggs model, I am a very sensitive person who likes seeking facts before processing information. I understand that rushing to make a decision before having the basic facts can be harmful and can have severe consequences (Quenk, pp.9-10). In decision- making, I take my time and think about the consequences that will follow. My careful analytical skills have enabled me to make prudent decisions in my life. However, it does not mean that all the decisions that I made in life were right. There are instances where I did errors that affected other aspects of my life. I do not consider myself as a person who depends on my emotions to make decisions. Every time I come across a trick situation, I prefer evaluating the facts behind the situation before making a decision. Prior to joining higher education, I was faced with a dilemma on picking the suitable career. However, after a careful thought and considerations, I made an appropriate decision based on the employability of the careers that I had intended to pursue (Quenk, pp.3-8). In addition, like leading a planned and stable life. Furthermore, I prefer orderliness when conducting activities. The Myers and Briggs classify the type of people fitting the description as judging. On the other hand, there are people who are reactive. They wait for things to happen then respond to them. The group is considered to use perception to respond to things (Quenk, pp.3-8). Emotional Intelligence Assessment Emotional Intelligence entails understanding emotions of other people and providing possible solutions that can be useful in controlling the emotions of other people. It affects the life of people in different ways. For instance, it may change the way a person interacts with other people in an organization. Individuals who have emotional intelligence are considerate of the emotions of other people. Consequently, the compromise their colleagues since they understand their emotional status. Understanding the emotions of other people is important because it creates happiness and sprouts a healthy relationship between partners. Emotional Intelligence has four characteristics that describe the concept. It recognizes that individuals have self-management of their feelings. Consequently, we are supposed to hold ourselves accountable for the mistakes we commit. Individuals are supposed to control their emotions. Hence, they can avoid some of the mistakes they do. In addition, we are supposed control our emotions and understand how they relate to our behavior. Furthermore, we are supposed to be socially aware of the way our emotions affect other people. For instance, a manager who has unstable emotions is likely to affect the productivity of employees. Lastly, emotional intelligence outlines the way people are supposed to manage their relationship with other people in an organization (Stough et al., pp.2-9). According to my assessment, emotional intelligence affects my performance in the University. Since I have made it a culture of understanding the emotions of some of my colleagues, I have been successful in my academic performance. My compassionate feeling has enabled me create a friendship with other students who have always supported me whenever I come across a topsy-turvy situation in my academic life. In addition, I actively participate in extracurricular activities during my leisure time, something that has enabled me control my stress level while at school. The extracurricular activities have allowed me to retain my physical fitness and mental health. Emotional Intelligence has allowed me myself appropriately in professional situations. Socially, I have managed to build a healthy relationship with some practitioners because of my ability handle them in a suitable manner (Stough et al., pp.2-9). Motivation Assessment Motivation refers the intense enjoyment employees have in undertaking their tasks. Theories have been developed to try to explain factors that determine how employees behave. The X and Y theory makes assumptions about how employees are motivated. Theory X states that some employees hate working and will everything within their means to avoid working. The Y Theory states that, some employees are self-driven and carry out their responsibilities without being monitored. It is imperative for any management to consider the theory that motivates its employees. In addition, the ERG theory was developed by Clayton Alderfer. He modified the Abraham Maslow to explain the theory of motivation. He identified the existence, relatedness and growth as the main factors that motivate people. In addition, the AAAP motivational theory also explained the factors that motivated employees. Another theory that explains the origin of employee motivation is the goal-setting theory. The theory explains that employees should be tasks they are expected to accomplish. The employer sets the goal for them. Consequently, employees are motivated towards to work towards attaining the goal (Cox et al., pp.3-7). Communication Self-Assessment Over the years, my communication skills have improved. A majority of the students have developed a tendency of using text messages to communicate. Text messages have changed the way people interact with other people. I find it very difficult to express my emotions in text messages. In addition, sometimes I find myself losing attention because of concentrating on text messages. I regularly participate in the presentation so as to enhance my communication skills. My charisma helps me attract a large audience of students. Also, my communication style has helped me find an easier time in interacting with friends. I prefer listening to other before speaking something that has helped me understand the emotions of my friends. I experienced a difficult in communicating with other students during my first year. In addition, my quiet confidence affected my speeches during a class presentation. However, after undergoing a series of presentation my communication skills improved and I was able to articulate issues (Rughani, pp.10-20). Leadership I intend to continue attending leadership training programs in order to enhance my leadership skills. The training forums will empower me with some leadership skills that I am yet to develop. Through attending the programs, I will develop my management skills (Rughani, pp.10-20). The leadership MICEE challenge outlines five leadership concepts. As a leader, one is supposed to model the way for others. In addition, a leader is supposed to inspire a shared vision among his followers. Furthermore, the leadership should be challenged, and others given an opportunity to react. Lastly, we should encourage our heart to learn. Although the concepts were confusing during the first lesson, I became acquainted with the concepts (Rughani, pp.17-20). Insightful leadership can only be achieved through planning for visionary leadership. I intend to join a leadership team that will equip me with the relevant skills. The program will transform my leadership abilities. Furthermore, the program will motivate me to seek for a leadership position within our institution (Rughani, pp.17-20). Conflict Assessment Amidst a team, there is a high possibility for conflicts to emerge. Conflicts arise as a result of differences in ideologies. Some people do not know how to control themselves whenever they differ on issues. Consequently, temperamental personalities are likely to fuel a conflict since they do not how to control their anger. One of the tendencies that I have is being adamant to change my ideologies. The tendency usually makes me have a difficult time in giving suggestions of others something that may cause a conflict. Some of my teammates find the trait to be annoying and negatively affects our relationship with them. I will consider the views of other people by adopting a flexible way of analyzing issues (Rughani, pp.12-23). Decision Making Reflection In my life, I have made critical decisions that have either improved my life or adversely affected it. The three important decisions that I have made in my life are choosing my preferred institution of study, picking a career path and regulating my habit of going to parties. I applied the SWOT analysis to make some of the decision. I evaluated my strengths and weaknesses and the available opportunities and threats. The analysis helped make the appropriate decision that I have never regretted (Rughani, pp.17-20). Planning for Future Mission Statement: I seek to be the best in my career and become a role model to other students Vision: I intend to become the most remarkable leader in the business industry, create innovative business solutions and help the society. Value Statement: I commit to uphold myself professionally in my career Three goals Register with professional bodies Graduate with a master’s degree in business Find mentors Short-term goal Enrol for a management course Long-term goal Start a management consultancy agency BHAG To be the best business personality Action plan Action Time Register with a professional body 1 month Graduate with a masters degree 2 years Find mentors 2 weeks Contingency Plan In the case I fail to register with a professional body, I will enroll in other relevant clubs and organization within the University. In case I fail to enroll for a master’s degree; I will register for a higher diploma course. Accountability I will regularly assess my progress to ensure that I am headed towards achieving my goals. I will develop a personal scorecard that will evaluate my performance. Work Cited Cox, W M., and Eric Klinger. Handbook of Motivational Counseling Goal-Based Approaches to Assessment and Intervention with Addiction and Other Problems. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, 2011. Print. Rughani, Amar. The GPs guide to personal development plans. Abingdon: Radcliffe Medical Press, 2001. Print. Quenk, Naomi L. Essentials of Myers-Briggs Type Indicator assessment. Hoboken, N.J: John Wiley & Sons, 2009. Print. Stough, Con, Donald H. Saklofske, and James D. Parker. Assessing emotional intelligence theory, research, and applications. Dordrecht New York London: Springer, 2009. Print. Read More