Leadership seems to have as many definitions as there are insects in the world. It is interesting though to turn to the field of psychology to see if there are concepts that can be applied to a leadership definition. Dr. Robert Hogan, a highly regarded industrial psychologist, described what is known as the “Big Five” Theory in psychology (a theory of personality) and how it applied to leaders. He uses the following word descriptors:
1. Surgency (sometimes called Extraversion) - sociable, confident, enthusiastic, extraverted, energetic, dominant, outspoken, forceful, ambitious, gregarious, social presence, assertive ---
versus ---
Quiet, reserved, shy, withdrawn
2. Agreeableness (sometimes called Likability) - agreeable, friendly, kind, affectionate, trusting, helpful, praising, altruistic, sympathetic, diplomatic, cooperative, warm ---
versus ---
Cold, quarrelsome, hard-hearted, thankless, critical
3. Conscientiousness (sometimes called Prudence) - hardworking, persevering, trusted, dependable, achieving, controlled, organized, planful, precise, responsible, conforming, constrained ---
versus ---
Impulsive, careless, disorderly, frivolous, forgetful
4. Emotional Stability (sometimes called Adjustment) - high ego strength, accurate self-esteem, stable, calm, steady, independent, self-accepting, cool ---
versus ---
Tense, anxious, neurotic, moody, worrying, self-pitying, emotional
5. Intellectance (sometimes called Openness) - Inquiring, open to experience, wide interests, intellect, imaginative, witty, logical ---
versus ---
Shallow, unintelligent, narrow, simple
Note that each of these “Big Five” can be placed on a continuum. Consider which end of the continuum the more effective leaders will fall. For more on the Big Five see -- Hogan, R., Curphy, G.J., & Hogan, J. (1994) What we know about leadership: Effectiveness and personality. American Psychologist, 49, 493-504.