S2:E7 - Big Five in Real Life, Part 3: Understanding Agreeableness at Work and at Home

Discover how Agreeableness, one of the Big Five personality traits, shapes conflict styles in relationships and the workplace. Stephen Utech and Ryan Gracyalny break down how empathy, cooperation, and directness show up in conflict — and how couples and teams can leverage differences in Agreeableness to improve communication, trust, and problem-solving. High scorers, known for their warmth, empathy, and desire for harmony, may avoid conflict or give in too quickly to keep the peace. Meanwhile, those lower in Agreeableness tend to be more direct, skeptical, and willing to push back — which can be valuable for objectivity but sometimes comes across as critical or combative. Through real-world stories, Stephen and Ryan reveal how differences in Agreeableness can create tension in relationships — from one partner wanting to smooth things over to the other insisting on addressing the hard truths. They also share strategies for recognizing these patterns, balancing empathy with honesty, and using diverse approaches to conflict to strengthen both partnerships and teams.