People with this trait prefer to avoid potentially unpleasant confrontations. Dealing with difficult situations in the face of opposition is critical for management positions.

Risk approach (or courage)

Conscientious people are committed to plans and ensure they carry them out accurately. They consider the wisdom of their decisions for the long-term.They are essential for strategic planning but can be too rigid.

Conscientiousness

People with this trait are more creative and flexible and learn more easily. But, in excess, curiosity may lead to moving from project to project without completing any of them.

Curiosity

People with a high tolerance for ambiguity can take in many viewpoints before coming to a decision. They find it easier to react to changes and to cope with complex problems.People with a low ambiguity tolerance may be dictatorial, but this can be useful when a more ordered approach is needed.

Ambiguity acceptance

Competitiveness can be a powerful motivation that leads you to go the extra mile.At worst, it can lead to unhealthy jealousy of others.

Competitiveness

Workplace personality tests are used to sort people according to various thinking styles, such as into/extroversion and thinking/feeling. Many psychologists feel that the theory behind the different categories fails to predict performance or to find high-performing candidates. Some critics even claim that it is a pseudoscience.

Testing for workplace personality

Recently, six traits were identified that are consistently linked to workplace success: Conscientiousness, adjustment, ambiguity acceptance, curiosity, courage, and competitiveness.Each trait may have drawbacks at extremes. The relative importance of each trait will be determined by the job you are doing. Knowing the traits can also aid in personal development so that you can identify your own strengths and weaknesses and the ways you may account for them.

Traits and workplace success

People with high adjustment can cope well with anxieties under pressure. Stress doesn't negatively influence their behavior and decision-making.People with low scores on this scale can suffer from poor performance at work, but reframing a stressful situation as a potential for growth can help.

Adjustment

We're bidding farewell to 2018 with some of BBC Capital's greatest hits from over the last year. With these compelling stories, indispensable tips and expert insight, you'll be ready to make 2019 the best it can be. Are you curious, conscientious and competitive?