Leading People with Varying Levels of Openness to Experience
In any workplace, especially at PRETECT where we continuously adapt to client demands and evolving safety and inspection technologies, understanding how open your team members are to new experiences is key to driving both innovation and operational stability.
Team members who are high in openness to experience are naturally curious and eager to try new ideas. They thrive in creative discussions, process improvement initiatives, and projects that require problem-solving or innovation — such as exploring new inspection methods, adopting digital tools, or refining reporting systems. To keep them engaged, involve them early in brainstorming and planning sessions. Give them opportunities to contribute ideas and lead pilot initiatives.
However, one common challenge with highly open individuals is commitment. Their enthusiasm may shift quickly toward new ideas, leaving existing projects unfinished. To address this, invite them to help design the project plan, secure their buy-in, and clearly define deliverables and timelines. It’s also helpful to agree in advance on what happens if they want to pivot mid-project — this ensures accountability while still giving them the freedom to innovate.
On the other hand, team members who are low in openness to experience value consistency and prefer tried-and-tested methods. They may resist change or hesitate to try unfamiliar approaches, especially if current systems are already working. When leading these individuals, avoid framing new initiatives as “big changes.” Instead, emphasize continuity and small improvements — for example, saying, “This process is the same as before, but we’ve just made it more efficient.”
Balancing both types is crucial at PRETECT. Encourage open-minded individuals to bring innovation, while relying on those who value stability to maintain quality and compliance. Effective leaders at PRETECT know how to frame change strategically — inspiring creativity without compromising structure, and ensuring the entire team moves forward together.
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