Openness
Creativity, Curiosity & Imagination
Openness reflects how receptive you are to new ideas, experiences, and ways of thinking. People high in openness tend to be imaginative, curious, and drawn to novelty, while those lower in openness prefer familiarity and practical, concrete thinking.
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At a Glance
Key openness attributes
Core Quality
Imagination & Creativity
Perspective
Abstract & Conceptual
Drive
Novelty & Exploration
Thinking Style
Divergent & Curious
Understanding Openness
Openness to Experience is one of the five core dimensions in the Big Five personality model. It measures the degree to which a person is imaginative, creative, and receptive to new ideas. This trait exists on a spectrum, with high openness on one end and low openness (sometimes called "closedness") on the other.
People with high openness often have rich inner lives and are drawn to art, beauty, and abstract thinking. They enjoy exploring unfamiliar territories—whether physical places, intellectual ideas, or creative pursuits. They tend to question conventional ways of doing things and are comfortable with ambiguity.
Those with lower openness typically prefer the familiar and practical. They value tradition, concrete thinking, and established routines. Rather than seeking novelty, they find comfort in what they know and prefer straightforward, hands-on approaches to problems.
High vs. Low Openness
Neither high nor low openness is inherently better—each has distinct advantages depending on the context and goals.
High Openness
Individuals high in openness are characterized by their imaginative nature and intellectual curiosity. They thrive on variety and novel experiences.
- Prefer variety over routine
- Seek out novel experiences and ideas
- Drawn to creative expression and art
- Enjoy abstract thinking and philosophy
- Question traditional approaches
- Embrace change and new possibilities
- Value intellectual stimulation
- Comfortable with ambiguity
Low Openness
Individuals lower in openness value practicality and tradition. They prefer the familiar and excel at focused, concrete tasks.
- Prefer routine and predictability
- Resist change and new approaches
- Favor concrete over abstract thinking
- Value tradition and established methods
- Focus on practical, hands-on work
- Find comfort in familiar environments
- Excel at detail-oriented tasks
- Prefer clear, straightforward answers
Strengths of High Openness
High openness brings significant advantages in creative and innovative environments. These individuals often become the idea generators who push boundaries and imagine new possibilities.
Potential Challenges
Very high openness can present challenges in environments that require consistency and practical focus. Understanding these tendencies helps in developing balanced approaches.
Career Paths & Openness
Your level of openness can significantly influence which careers feel fulfilling and where you'll naturally excel. High openness individuals thrive in roles that offer creativity, variety, and intellectual challenge, while those lower in openness often prefer structured, practical positions.
Best Jobs for High Openness Personality Types
Those high in openness thrive in careers that reward creativity, curiosity, and unconventional thinking. Select a role below to learn more.
Graphic Designer
Graphic designers create visual concepts using computer software or by hand to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. They develop layouts and production design for applications like advertisements, brochures, magazines, and reports.
High openness individuals excel in graphic design because the role rewards creative vision, aesthetic sensitivity, and the ability to generate novel ideas. Their appreciation for art and beauty translates directly into compelling visual work.
Key Activities
Best Jobs for Low Openness Personality Types
Those lower in openness thrive in careers that value consistency, attention to detail, and practical expertise. Select a role below to learn more.
Accountant
Accountants prepare and examine financial records, ensuring accuracy and compliance with laws and regulations. They analyze financial data, prepare reports, and help organizations manage their finances effectively.
Those lower in openness excel as accountants because the role rewards consistency, attention to detail, and systematic approaches. Their preference for established procedures aligns perfectly with regulatory compliance and standard practices.
Key Activities
Working with Different Openness Levels
Understanding openness helps teams collaborate more effectively by leveraging different thinking styles.
Working with High Openness
- Give them creative freedom and autonomy
- Engage their intellectual curiosity with challenges
- Be open to unconventional ideas and approaches
- Provide variety in tasks and projects
- Allow time for exploration before decisions
- Appreciate their big-picture thinking
Working with Low Openness
- Provide clear, concrete instructions
- Explain the practical benefits of changes
- Respect their preference for proven methods
- Give them time to adjust to new approaches
- Value their attention to detail and consistency
- Focus on specific, actionable steps
Growth Opportunities
Regardless of where you fall on the openness spectrum, there are opportunities for growth and balance.
For High Openness: Build Follow-Through
Your creativity generates many ideas, but growth comes from seeing projects through to completion. Practice committing to one idea before moving to the next, and develop systems to track progress on your creative pursuits.
For High Openness: Embrace Practical Details
While big-picture thinking is a strength, developing comfort with practical details expands your effectiveness. Practice breaking abstract ideas into concrete action steps others can follow.
For Low Openness: Try Small Experiments
Growth doesn't require abandoning your preferences. Start with small experiments—try a new restaurant, read outside your usual genre, or take a different route to work. Small steps build comfort with novelty.
For Low Openness: Explore Why Behind Change
When facing new situations, focus on understanding the reasoning behind changes rather than just the what. This builds your ability to evaluate new ideas on their merits rather than defaulting to resistance.
Explore the Other Big Five Traits
Openness is just one dimension of your personality. Discover how the other four traits shape who you are and how you interact with the world.
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