Your boss sits you down for some tough feedback: You are not conscientious enough. She points out that you have missed several deadlines and show a pattern of failing to remember important details. At first, you feel defensive — it is just your personality that she’s describing. Hey, I can’t get bogged down in details! I’m a vision guy! Or maybe you blame external factors. I missed that deadline because there was a big snowstorm and the power went out! However, ultimately you realize that the future of your job, and of your career, may depend on responding to your boss’s feedback and appearing more conscientious.
Becoming More Conscientious
Your boss sits you down for some tough feedback: You are not conscientious enough. She points out that you have missed several deadlines and show a pattern of failing to remember important details. If you have ever gotten feedback like this, and wanted to do something about it, you are not alone. But can you change something as fundamental to your personality as conscientiousness? A review of the research suggests that you can, by taking on activities that feel important, enjoyable, and that accord with your values. You can also strengthen your bonds with colleagues, which has been shown to increase conscientiousness. Or you could consider therapy or coaching. Deciding to change your personality can be difficult, but it might just be one of the most rewarding things you’ve done.