Chapter Four Individual Differences and Traits
Individual Differences Framework
HeredityGenes
Race/EthnicityGender
EnvironmentCulture & educationParental Influence
Physical Environment
Leadership Style and Behaviors
INDIVIDUAL CHARACTERISTICS
Values
Personality
Demographicfactors
Abilities andSkills
Individual Characteristics and Behaviors
Individualcharacteristics
Comfort Zone
Zone of Discomfort
Zone of Discomfort
BEHAVIORAL RANGE
Fresh Look at Traits Some traits are a precondition to
leadership, but not enough to predict leadership:
Drive (motivation, energy)
Motivation to lead
Integrity
Self-confidence
Intelligence
Knowledge of the business
Demographic Characteristics
U.S. leaders are a homogeneous group
In spite of some differences, the path to leadership is still influenced by birthplace, nationality, religion, education, social class, gender, and race
Homogeneity may affect creativity negatively
Values
Values are long-lasting beliefs about what is worthwhile and desirable
Factors that affect values include:
Culture Personality Gender Ethnicity Generational differences
Generational Differences in Values
60+-GI Generation: Hard work; frugality; patriotism45-60 – Baby Boomers: Non-conformity; idealism; happiness and peace35-50 – Baby Busters: Ambition; material comfort; “me”25-35 – Generation X: Enjoyment of life; autonomy; flexibilityUnder 25 - Millennials: Flexibility, choice, meaningful experiences, tolerance, tech-savvy
Values and Ethics
• The relativist view - what is right or wrong depends on the situation or the culture
• The universalist view - all activities should be judged by the same standards, regardless of the situation or culture
Abilities and Skills
Ability, or aptitude, is a stable natural talent for doing something mental or physical
A skill is an acquired talent that a person develops related to a specific task
Abilities: Cognitive and Practical Intelligence
Cognitive abilities (traditional intelligence) important but not sufficient for leadership
Practical intelligence is related to having skills needed to succeed and work with others;
probably more important to leadership
Emotional Intelligence
Self-awareness
Self-regulation
Self-motivation
Empathy for others
Interpersonal and social
skills
Abilities: Creativity
Generate novel solutions/perspectives to old problems
Perseverance when facing obstacles
Self-confidence
Willingness to take risks
Willingness to grow and openness to new experiences
Tolerance for ambiguity
Personality Traits
Traits are psychological characteristics
Stable over time and across situations
Personality = a set of enduring traits that distinguishes one person from another
Big Five Personality Traits
Conscientiousness
Extraversion/introversion
Openness to experience
Emotional stability
(Neuroticism)
Agreeableness
Characteristics of Individuals with Internal Locus of Control Less anxious
Set harder goals Manage stress and adapt to change better More considerate of followers Less likely to use coercive power CEOs select riskier, more innovative
strategies Take more blame when things go wrong
Type A
Defining Characteristics• Time urgency• Competitiveness
• Polyphasic behaviors• Hostility
Work-Related Behaviors• Poor delegation
• Like to work alone• Jump into action• Set high goals
• Hard work• Perceive more stress
High Need for Control
Characteristics of High Self-Monitors
Able to read cues from the environment
Able to change behavior to match situation
Better able to cope in cross-cultural environments
Probably a key factor in leadership effectiveness
MBTI
Sensation Thinkers (ST)Focus on hard factsRealistic, goal-oriented but can be impatient and jumpinto action quickly
but can be unreasonable and unaware of others
Intuitive Thinkers (NT)Change agentsResponsive to creativity
Sensation Feelers (SF)Practical and caring Good understanding of systems but can be
reluctant to accept change
THINKING (T)
FEELING (F)
INT
UIT
IVE
(N)S
EN
SIN
G (
S)
Intuitive Feelers (NF)Personal charisma andcommitment to othersMany ideas, trouble with implementation
Machiavellian Personality High Machs are
• Skilled at controlling others• Able to perceive and resist
manipulation• More successful in unstructured
environments
Low Machs are• Naive and trusting
Effective Leadership is associated with moderate Mach score
Narcissistic Personality Grandiose self-importance Preoccupation with power Arrogance Indifference to others Self-absorption Fragile self-esteem; inability to tolerate
criticism Sense of entitlement Exploiting others without guilt Lack of empathy Trouble building relationships