Understanding the Model
The Big Five Personality Traits model is based on findings from several independent researchers dating back to the late 1950s. But the model as it is now didn't begin to take shape until the 1990s. Lewis Goldberg, a researcher at the Oregon Research Institute, is credited with naming the model "The Big Five", and it is now a broadly respected personality scale, which is routinely used in business and in psychological research.
The Big Five Personality Traits Model measures five key dimensions of people's personalities:
Openness (sometimes called intellect or imagination) – This measures your level of creativity, and your desire for knowledge and new experiences.
Conscientiousness – This looks at the level of care you take in your life and work. If you score high in conscientiousness, you're organized and thorough, and you know how to make plans and follow them through. If you score low, you're likely to be lax and disorganized.
Extraversion/Introversion – This dimension measures your level of sociability. Are you outgoing or quiet? Do you draw energy from a crowd, or do you find it difficult to work and be around others?
Agreeableness – This dimension looks at your level of friendliness and kindness to others. Do you have empathy? Can you sympathize with others?
Natural Reactions (sometimes called emotional stability or neuroticism) – This measures your level of emotions. Do you react negatively to bad news and yell at your colleagues, or do you react calmly? Do you worry obsessively about small details, or are you relaxed in stressful situations?