USPP                                       

Unit for the Study of Personality in Politics

Back to the USPP Homepage

Executive Summary: Personality Profile of Former New Jersey Senator Bill Bradley

INTRODUCTION

The object of the study was to assess the personality of former New Jersey senator Bill Bradley and to predict his political performance and leadership effectiveness on the basis of personality traits.

METHODOLOGY

The Millon Inventory of Diagnostic Criteria (MIDC) was used to construct the personality profile, based on empirical analysis of biographic materials. The 170 MIDC criteria permit classification of political figures along 12 personality dimensions, or 34 categories. Personality patterns are used to predict presidential performance and leadership style.

KEY FINDINGS

Sen. Bill Bradley’s personality-based leadership strengths include:

• conscientiousness and low susceptibility to ethical misconduct;

• cooperativeness and the ability to listen to others’ concerns and opinions;

• self-discipline, diligence, and the ability to remain focused; and

• attention to detail and skill in orchestrating and crafting specific policies.

Sen. Bill Bradley’s personality-based leadership limitations include:

• a deficit of outgoing charisma, which can make him appear dour and aloof, despite an inner warmth;

• a nonconfrontational, conciliatory orientation, which may convey an appearance of weakness;

• a serious-minded, introspective orientation, which may increase his vulnerability to stress; and

• limited mobilization skills, which may interfere with his ability to arouse, engage, and direct the public in support of his policy initiatives or retain his support in the face of adversity.

Page maintained by Aubrey Immelman, USPP director and Suzanne Wetzel, USPP contributor

www.csbsju.edu/uspp/ExecutiveSummaries/Bradley.html

Last modified: 04/16/2000