Personal Characteristics of Effective Leader

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Based on Costa and McCrae’s (1992) research, personality can be characterized under five traits. Extraversion, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, Neuroticism, and Openness are the categories. After I read the descriptions in my Psychology book, I attempted to classify myself into one category. I was stuck between two, agreeableness, and conscientiousness. I decided on agreeableness. Words like “cooperative,” “straightforward,” and “sympathetic” explain why. Words like “diligent,” “disciplined,” “punctual,” and “dependable” are why I could have selected conscientiousness. I am a hard worker, and people know they can depend on me.

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I am not only organized and driven by work, I am also empathetic.

Next, I surveyed coworkers, friends, and family members. I had them read the descriptions of the Five Factor Model and then choose one category that best described me. First, I surveyed my coworkers, 55% chose agreeableness; 27% selected conscientiousness; 18% decided extraversion fit my personality best. My family rated highest in agreeableness, with 60%. Conscientiousness and extraversion followed, both with 20%. Next, I looked at my survey completed by friends.

Conscientiousness finished highest again, with 35%; 24% selected extraversion; 7% decided on openness. Next, I combined all results, my results were highest with agreeableness at 42%; conscientiousness was next at 31%. Extraversion followed at 22%. Each survey proved I am highest evaluated in agreeableness, conscientiousness, and then extraversion.

According to the Synthetic Aperture Personality Assessment (SAPA) Project (Condon, 2013), I scored in the 82nd percentile for conscientiousness and 73rd percentile for agreeableness. My lowest area was neuroticism where I scored in the 8th percentile. These findings confirm the results of my informal survey of coworkers, family members, and friends.

The assessment identified my strongest traits as self-control, industry, well-being, honesty, and compassion.

Conscientiousness was my highest scoring area (82nd percentile). Based on Ackerman’s (2018) research, individuals who score highest on conscientiousness possess a lot of great qualities. Some qualities include: ambition, persistence, and perseverance. People in this category also show high energy. Being rated highest as conscientiousness says much about my potential as a leader. Leaders must be ambitious to take on such a challenging role within any school. The job is stressful; the work of a principal is never finished. Ambition pushes leaders to get the job started.

Persistence pushes a leader to focus on the task until the task is finished. Perseverance is a must-have trait for a leader. Perseverance means to work hard when tired of working hard. Effective principals must also be energetic. It takes a lot of energy to get so much paperwork finished, while dealing with discipline, and still visiting classrooms and supporting for staff members and students. The article stated that someone who scores in the higher percentile for conscientiousness is, “likely to be successful in school and their career, to excel in leadership positions, and to pursue their goals with determination” (Ackerman, 2018). Ackerman’s article supports the results of my personality test. My passion and determination will make me a great leader someday.

Agreeableness was my second highest (73rd percentile). Based on Ackerman’s (2018) research, people who score high are trustworthy, respectful, friendly, and thoughtful. Effective leaders must get along well with staff members, students, parents, and others. Qualities mentioned above will help me to build strong relationships with others in the workplace. If I can build meaningful relationships, I can make a difference. Ackerman (2018) also states that individuals who score higher in agreeableness are “respected” Leaders who have the respect of their community, staff, and students will be more effective.

Extraversion was the next highest score (54th percentile). Ackerman (2018) wrote “high extroversion is a strong predictor of leadership.” Extraversion is the category that surprised me. I did not think people saw me this way. I am glad that I know this information now. Extraversion includes important traits for leaders. Encyclopedia Britannica stated people who score high on extraversion are “assertive, energetic, and gregarious” (Grice, 2016). Leaders should be assertive when making important decisions. An effective principal must listen, but be bold enough to make the best decisions for the school. Also, leaders have to be bold, but also likeable.

I need to understand my personality as I prepare to become a leader. I can use my strengths to help others. Good leaders not only understand themselves, they understand how others perceive them. Now, I realize people characterized me to be more outgoing than I thought. Others see leadership qualities in me already. I am more confident in my abilities as a leader after research and the personality results. Someday, I will be another prime example that effective leaders can possess qualities shown in my personality types, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and extraversion. I will use characteristics from each of the personality factors to achieve that goal.