Agreeableness personality trait is one of the personality traits from the Big Five Personality Theory. A person that is determined to have a high score in a personality test for agreeableness is typically a friendly, warm, empathetic personality type.
A strong indicator for the agreeableness personality trait usually means that the person can easily put others needs ahead of their own. Persons that score low in this area may be considered somewhat selfish.
This personality trait is often tested for by HR people for career placement. A high indicator that this personality trait is prevalent can mean that the person is well suited for most work place situations in both subordinate and leadership positions.
There are some careers that are not ideal for someone with a high level of the agreeableness personality trait. Scientists typically do not have a high indicator for the agreeableness personality trait.
Optimism
People that score high in this area of the Big 4 Personality Traits are typically optimists. They tend to believe that social harmony is possible and that people have the propensity to be kind. They strive to cooperate with other people.
They make excellent group leaders, debaters and work generally well in most situations. People that do not score high in this area generally are skeptical, cautious and highly competitive.
The Sub Traits
The sub traits of agreeableness personality trait are trust, straightforwardness, altruism, compliance, modesty and tender-mindedness.
A person that scores high in the agreeableness personality trait usually displays all of the sub traits. All of these traits are held in high esteem in many career paths but they can also be detrimental in certain instances.
On The Down Side
People that score high in this area of personality are often taken advantage of, they may have difficulty with conflict they can also overwork themselves in both their careers and their personal life. They can take on more responsibility than necessary because of the inability to deal with conflict or to be perceived as the “bad” guy.
In a work place setting having too much empathy for others can actually cause a great deal of conflict. The inability to say no can lead to an overload of work that cannot get done.
An individual that has a strong sense of self awareness and that understands that there are pitfalls to this natural personality trait can easily reign in some of the negatives of this positive trait.