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Unit for the Study of Personality in Politics

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Executive Summary: Personality Profile of Texas Governor George W. Bush

INTRODUCTION

The object of the study was to assess the personality of Texas governor George W. Bush 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

Gov. George W. Bush’s personality-based leadership strengths include:

• the important political skills of charisma and interpersonality, which will enable him to connect with people and retain a following;

• self-confidence in the face of adversity;

• an outgoing, gregarious personality that appeals to voters who favor style over substance in an era of prosperity and peace; and

• an adventurous streak conducive to the cut and thrust of political life.

Gov. George W. Bush’s personality-based leadership limitations include:

• the propensity for a superficial grasp of complex issues;

• a potential for acting impulsively, without fully appreciating the implications of his decisions or the long-term consequences of his policy initiatives;

• a risk of failing to keep himself adequately informed; and

• placing personal connections, friendship, and loyalty over competence in his staffing decisions and appointments.

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

Last modified: 04/06/2000