The question is not whether you’ll change; you will. Research clearly shows that everyone’s personality traits shift over the years, often for the better. But who we end up becoming and how much we like that person are more in our control than we tend to think they are. 
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Posted September 11, 2022 Reviewed by Jessica Schrader
Several years ago, I met an acquaintance who suffered from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). He had what I considered a most appropriate job—as a security supervisor for an important organization. Because of his attention to detail, security throughout the organization was top-notch and nothing was left to chance.
The Mayo Clinic defines OCD as “a pattern of unwanted thoughts and fears (obsessions) that lead you to do repetitive behaviors (compulsions). These obsessions and compulsions interfere with daily activities and cause significant distress.” Examples of OCD include obsessive thoughts such as fear of germs and contamination, fear of errors or disorganization, and fear of negative outcomes, as well as compulsive behaviors such as repeatedly washing and cleaning, persistently checking and arranging, and constantly seeking assurance. Medical and mental health support is very important for those whose OCD symptoms significantly affect their quality of life and relationships.
Despite the challenges, research suggests that certain OCD traits may have positive benefits.[1][2][3][4] Some OCD tendencies can even contribute to professional success. Here are five potential benefits of obsessive-compulsive disorder in the workplace.
Many individuals with OCD are thorough and meticulous (the opposite of careless and clumsy). At the workplace, those with OCD may thrive in positions where accuracy, investigation, research, fact-finding, fact-checking, and problem-solving are integral to success. Professional fields where individuals with OCD may excel include accounting, finance, mathematics, science, engineering, medicine, forensics, technology, law, design, architecture, construction, safety, security, and quality control, among many others.
OCD is often rooted in the fear of uncertain outcomes and negative consequences (among other causes). At the workplace, these insecurities can motivate someone with OCD to take the initiative and troubleshoot “red flags” early on, thereby reducing risk. They tend to double- and triple-check details on important matters, carefully weighing the pros and cons before making a decision. Those with OCD may take all the time necessary until an issue is resolved to their satisfaction.
For some with OCD, the strong desire to stay in control (of oneself and one’s career), when channeled appropriately, can become a driving force to professional advancement. To excel in their jobs, they often set multiple, tangible goals, and are highly productive in the accomplishment of tasks. There are ample examples of well-known individuals with OCD who have succeeded in business, finance, science, technology, athletics, education, and entertainment.[5] Being productive and goal-driven can become synonymous with feeling more secure and in control.
Some individuals with OCD excel at future planning, often with creativity and imagination. They find greater safety and comfort knowing that there’s a “road map” going forward, and are willing to embrace new ideas, inspirations, and solutions to facilitate the process.
Although it may seem counterintuitive for those with OCD to embrace creativity since it involves the novel, the exercise of creativity can also increase options and solutions, which are forms of self-efficacy.[2]
At work, this may translate into strategic leadership qualities such as articulating a vision for one’s organization or department, encouraging brainstorms to mitigate foreseeable risks, and demonstrating inventiveness in crisis management. Creativity and innovation are leveraged to help ensure a stronger future.
Research suggests a positive correlation between OCD and the personality dimension of conscientiousness, which includes attributes such as competence, organizing, sense of duty, achievement striving, willpower, and cautiousness.[1][2]
When constructively managed, and with resourcing from medical and mental health professionals, individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder can channel their difficulties into benefits, and enjoy a healthier and more fulfilling quality of life.
© 2022 by Preston C. Ni.
References
Ni, Preston. How to Reduce Anxiety & Increase Certainty in Difficult Situations – A Practical Guide. PNCC. (2016)
[1]Inchausti, F., Delgado, A., Prieto, G. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Its Relationship with Disgust Vulnerability and Conscientiousness. Psicothema/National Library of Medicine. (2015)
[2]Furnhama, A., Hughesbc, D., Marshall, E. Creativity, OCD, Narcissism and the Big Five. Thinking Skills and Creativity. (2013)
[3]Gonda, X., Jekkel, E., Varga, A., etc. Advantage of Obsessive-Compulsive Symptoms from The Aspect Of Individual Selection and Group Selection: An Evolutionary Psychological Approach to Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Neuropsychopharmacol Hung. (2008)
[4]Polimeni, J., Reiss, J., Sareen, J. Could Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Have Originated as a Group-Selected Adaptive Trait in Traditional Societies? Med Hypotheses. (2005)
[5]Famous People Who Have or Had Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Disabled World. (2017)
Preston Ni is a professor, presenter, private coach, and the author of Communication Success with Four Personality Types and How to Communicate Effectively and Handle Difficult People.
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The question is not whether you’ll change; you will. Research clearly shows that everyone’s personality traits shift over the years, often for the better. But who we end up becoming and how much we like that person are more in our control than we tend to think they are.
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