How Low Conscientiousness Can Power High-Performing Teams

The lure of conscientiousness

Conscientiousness is typically seen as one of the most desirable traits in the workplace. Most job descriptions include a few terms that correspond with conscientiousness. It may include words like detail-oriented, self-motivated, or a self-starter. More recent workplace jargon may favor terms like “ownership mentality,” “outcome obsessed,” or “leaning in,” but it’s all code for conscientiousness.

Psychological research also shows that people with higher conscientiousness tend to perform better at work. The effect sizes are larger as the work gets more complex. A meta-analysis (study of studies) conducted in 2021 that included results from over 550,000 responses showed conscientiousness was the strongest personality predictor of workplace performance.

Yes, conscientious people tend to perform well in the workplace. They’re often the ones who get promoted and climb the corporate ladder faster. They tend to be better at working within highly structured systems and toward long-term objectives.

But that’s not the whole story. There are benefits to being more relaxed and having a more spontaneous approach to life and work. There are real advantages (both psychological and social) to getting caught up in the moment and being more focused on the people around you right now than a five-year plan.

Statistically speaking, half of the population has below-average conscientiousness. Yet the value people with lower conscientiousness bring to teams may not show up in individual performance metrics.

Situational sensitivity: The importance of now

It’s a myth that people with lower conscientiousness aren’t motivated—they are just motivated by different things. While the highly conscientious might be driven by an internal sense of progression toward a long-term goal, their less conscientious colleagues tend to be more motivated by what’s happening in their current environment and the people around them.

This makes them adept at picking up real-time cues and information from their environment, allowing them to respond quickly to changes and new opportunities. They aren’t thinking about their next year’s performance review because they’re immersed in what is happening around them right now.

In the right environment, they can be just as hardworking, but their motivation is more situational, which makes them more adaptable.

Creativity and innovation

Research has shown lower conscientiousness can be associated with higher measures of creativity and innovation. Some research suggests that artists tend to have lower conscientiousness. Creativity and innovation in scientific and technical fields have also been linked to lower conscientiousness.

A team full of conscientious planners might sound ideal to the most conscientious, but it can stifle creativity. When everyone on the team is focused on the long-term plan, immediate opportunities can be missed.

An employee who is more immersed in current trends brings a fresh perspective. They can spot the possibilities and opportunities available here and now that others overlook. This can cause conflict in teams when today’s opportunities don’t seem to match up with the long-term objectives, but this friction can drive innovation.

If the team has mutual respect for different perspectives, a mix of careful planners and spontaneous thinkers can allow the team to be both open to seizing opportunities and meeting long-term objectives.

The roles need to match people’s strengths: When the planners are in the operational roles, and the spontaneous thinkers are in the creative roles, things run more smoothly.

Flexibility and dynamism

In roles that demand quick thinking and adaptability, being overly meticulous can be a liability. The quest for perfection can slow you down, turning opportunities into missed chances. Sometimes, “good enough” really is good enough—a mindset that often leads to faster decisions and the ability to seize opportunities that might slip by those more focused on the details. It’s no coincidence that many creative fields are dominated by people who score lower on the conscientiousness scale—they’re the ones who can pivot and innovate without getting bogged down in minutiae.

Conscientiousness Essential Reads

The Conscientious Path

The Career Power of Being Conscientious

Spending endless hours perfecting a project can be counterproductive if it’s completed too late to be useful or relevant. In many fast-paced industries, the value of getting something finished on time outweighs the benefits of polishing it to perfection.

That said, there’s still a place for perfectionism in roles where accuracy is paramount. In areas like engineering or surgery, where errors can have serious consequences, meticulousness is essential. But much of life and work is complex and messy. Success often hinges on taking action today, even if it means accepting some imperfections.

High or low conscientiousness: Which Is better?

Balancing these personality traits within a team can lead to a more dynamic and responsive team and organization. Planners ensure that long-term goals are met, while spontaneous thinkers push the team to capitalize on immediate opportunities. When each person is in the right role—planners and perfectionists in roles that demand it, spontaneous thinkers in creative roles—things tend to run more smoothly.

The truth is neither high nor low conscientiousness is universally better. Those with lower conscientiousness bring energy and engagement to a team, often sparking excitement and fresh ideas. They thrive on immediate motivation and stimulation, adding a lively dynamic that might not show up in performance metrics but is crucial for a well-rounded team. This might be intangible and difficult to measure in a performance review, but it can be an essential component of a high-functioning team that people with lower conscientiousness bring.

The key is knowing where you stand and playing to your strengths. Whether you’re a meticulous planner or a spontaneous creative, there’s a place for you in the workplace. Understanding your natural tendencies can help you find a career path that doesn’t just suit you but enables you to thrive.