S2:E6 - Big Five in Real Life, Part 2: Understanding Openness at Work and at Home

Discover how Openness to Experience, one of the Big Five personality traits, shapes conflict dynamics in both personal and professional relationships. Stephen Utech and Ryan Gracyalny explore how high and low scorers approach disagreements, problem-solving, and change — from curiosity-driven brainstorming to grounded, practical solutions. Learn how to bridge differences, communicate effectively, and turn diverse thinking styles into a strength in your relationship or workplace team. They unpack how high scorers, with their love of novelty, abstract thinking, and exploration, tend to approach conflict with curiosity, brainstorming, and “what if” thinking — sometimes to the point of overwhelming more practically minded partners or colleagues. In contrast, those lower in Openness may prefer familiar approaches, concrete solutions, and proven methods, which can feel grounding and stabilizing but may also be perceived as resistant to change. Through real-world examples from couples and workplace teams, Stephen and Ryan explore how differences in Openness can lead to misunderstandings — like one partner wanting to explore new possibilities while the other wants to stick with what works — and how these same differences, when understood, can become a source of strength. Whether in love or business, they offer insights on bridging these differences, fostering mutual respect, and leveraging diverse thinking styles to solve problems more effectively.