We regularly get the question: Is this candidate stress-resistant? The client then defines stress-resistance as staying relaxed under pressure. Always useful, right?
Pilots and stress
In the past, I have had the opportunity to assess quite a few pilots. Being stress resistant is then one of the selection criteria. The personality trait of being calm and fearless in difficult situations is certainly essential for pilots.
People with this trait typically approach life’s challenges and stressors with ease, taking things as they come and remaining relatively unfazed by external pressures. They may exhibit a relaxed attitude, a willingness to go with the flow, even in tense or demanding situations.
“However… To be stress resistant, a candidate must have an additional trait. And that is brooding. “
Stress and worry
In assessment psychology, brooding has been linked to the personality trait worry. Although worry is often seen as an undesirable trait because people with this trait tend to focus on potential problems, risks, and negative outcomes, which often makes them cautious and thoughtful, it does create alertness and focus. As a result, caring people tend to be thorough, prepared, and able to identify potential problems before they arise. This is helpful in situations that require careful planning and attention to detail.
Mutually reinforcing properties
Back to the pilot. A good pilot will fly relaxed on autopilot during the flight to Singapore. But when warning lights come on, the pilot is immediately on. The pilot acts thoughtfully, alert and focused. Pre-trained and drilled protocols help with this.
The crux is that relaxed and caring personality traits mutually reinforce one another. On the one hand, the calmness and relatability of the relaxed personality trait, and on the other hand, the alertness, directness, and thorough preparation of the caring personality trait. Both traits are needed to act sharply in stressful situations. However, this combination is not common.
When selecting candidates, a superficial focus on the ‘relaxed’ trait can be a pitfall. There is a risk of overlooking the crucial elements of alertness, focus, and thorough preparation that the ‘caring’ trait entails. This underscores the importance of a comprehensive assessment that considers all relevant personality traits.
