Personality in the Workplace: Neuroticism
Part Four of a Five-Part Series
This installment in our series on the Big Five personality traits examines neuroticism, which is associated with the experience of negative emotions and the sensitivity and reactivity to pain and discomfort. In the workplace, neuroticism can influence how individuals handle pressure, make decisions, identify safety issues, detect pitfalls, and interact with colleagues. This article explores the aspects of neuroticism, its implications for professional behavior, and strategies for managing its effects to foster a productive work environment.
Neuroticism
Neuroticism is a trait that denotes a higher likelihood of experiencing negative emotions such as anxiety, sadness, and irritability. It encompasses two main aspects: withdrawal and volatility.
Withdrawal: This aspect signifies a propensity to feel anxious, depressed, or to withdraw in stressful situations.
Volatility: This aspect reflects a tendency towards mood changes, irritability, and temperamental responses.
Individuals who are high in neuroticism may be more sensitive to environmental stressors and more prone to feeling threatened or discouraged. However, they can also possess a heightened awareness of potential risks and a capacity to guard against pitfalls that could be painful for their organization.
Neuroticism in the Workplace
High neuroticism can present challenges in the workplace, including difficulty in maintaining emotional stability and a tendency to react defensively to criticism or setbacks. These individuals may find it challenging to cope with stress and may be perceived as overly anxious or pessimistic.
Conversely, those low in neuroticism typically exhibit calmness, resilience, and a positive outlook, making them well-suited to high-pressure situations. However, their underestimation of risks and potential insensitivity to others’ distress can lead to oversight of problems and costly barriers that prevent an optimal degree of compatibility within teams.
Broadening Neuroticism
Broadening neuroticism involves developing strategies to cope with negative emotions and stress while also improving our sensitivity to pitfalls and hazards. For those high in neuroticism, this may include practicing stress-relief techniques, such as mindfulness and emotional regulation, to improve resilience and emotional stability. Learning to focus on positive outcomes and developing a more optimistic perspective can also help mitigate the impact of negative emotions sourced in neuroticism.
For individuals low in neuroticism, broadening the trait may involve cultivating awareness of others’ negative emotions and perhaps a greater sensitivity to potential risks in their environment. This can enhance their ability to better understand their colleagues and to anticipate and mitigate problems before they escalate.
Conclusion
Neuroticism plays a significant role in shaping how individuals perceive and react to workplace challenges. By understanding and broadening the trait neuroticism, professionals can enhance their awareness of others’ emotional state, improve interpersonal relations, and achieve a balanced approach to workplace stress and decision-making. Addressing neuroticism effectively contributes to a more supportive and productive work environment, where individuals can leverage their emotional strengths and navigate challenges with greater ease.
