Over the years, I’ve worked with many organisations and teams, and one thing has become crystal clear. When people understand themselves and each other through the lens of the Big Five, everything changes. Collaboration flows more smoothly. Communication becomes clearer. The day-to-day work feels far less stressful. Even small adjustments in how colleagues interact can make a huge difference.

Common Challenges Teams Face

Many profiling tools try to simplify people into rigid types or blanket labels. They can be interesting or fun, but they rarely go deep enough to create lasting change. Teams often leave sessions with colourful charts, insightful discussions, and a sense of novelty. But they get little practical insight to apply day-to-day.

So, what challenges do teams struggle with most often? Misunderstandings, miscommunication, clashes of working style, and unclear expectations are common frustrations. Even high-performing teams can get stuck when colleagues don’t understand what motivates each other. They may also struggle to see how others respond to pressure or prefer to collaborate. Small misunderstandings can escalate, projects stall, and talented individuals can feel undervalued or overlooked.

Why the Big Five Matters

I noticed a gap. To make a real difference, people need tools that help them play to their strengths while also understanding the dynamics of their colleagues. That’s why we introduced the Big Five Programme into the Understood training suite.

Decades of psychological research have shown the Big Five, also known as the Five Factor Model, to be the most reliable way of understanding personality. Using the gold-standard NEO-PI assessment, we help individuals and teams explore these five traits and see how they shape real working relationships. Importantly, this approach avoids putting people into boxes, instead encouraging insight, awareness, and practical application.

A Vision for Better Workplaces

Imagine a workplace where teams understand their Big Five traits. People would communicate more clearly. They would adapt to each other’s styles and approach challenges with empathy. Conflicts would be more constructive, leadership more authentic, and collaboration far more productive. Workplaces would feel energised, with people genuinely enjoying what they do and understanding the value they bring.Practical, Interactive Workshops

Our workshops are designed to be practical and interactive. We focus on tools and techniques teams can actually use to:

• Work together more effectively
• Communicate with clarity
• Build resilience and confidence
• Strengthen both leadership and emotional intelligence

Each session encourages reflection and discussion. The aim is to provide actionable takeaways, not just theory.

I’ve seen the difference this makes. Teams leave sessions feeling connected, motivated, and equipped to bring out the best in each other. They return to work with a better understanding of what drives their colleagues. They also have a clearer sense of their own strengths and the confidence to navigate differences with respect and insight.

The Big Five Programme offers a way to turn awareness into action, helping teams not only work better together, but thrive together.

Find out more about the Big Five Programme.

Let’s talk about how your teams can communicate with more clarity, presence, and purpose. Make sure you explore our website, read our blog, and follow us on LinkedIn to learn more and discover ways to grow a more successful business.