@article{AsselmannHolstSpecht2023,
  author    = {Asselmann, Eva and Holst, Elke and Specht, Jule},
  title     = {Longitudinal bidirectional associations between personality and becoming a leader},
  series = {Journal of personality},
  volume    = {91},
  journal   = {Journal of personality},
  number    = {2},
  publisher = {Wiley-Blackwell},
  address   = {Boston, Mass. [u.a.]},
  issn      = {0022-3506},
  doi       = {10.1111/jopy.12719},
  pages     = {285 -- 298},
  year      = {2023},
  abstract  = {Objective Leaders differ in their personalities from non-leaders. However, when do these differences emerge? Are leaders "born to be leaders" or does their personality change in preparation for a leadership role and due to increasing leadership experience? Method Using data from the German Socio-Economic Panel Study, we examined personality differences between leaders (N = 2683 leaders, women: n = 967; 36.04\%) and non-leaders (N = 33,663) as well as personality changes before and after becoming a leader. Results Already in the years before starting a leadership position, leaders-to-be were more extraverted, open, emotionally stable, conscientious, and willing to take risks, felt to have greater control, and trusted others more than non-leaders. Moreover, personality changed in emergent leaders: While approaching a leadership position, leaders-to-be (especially men) became gradually more extraverted, open, and willing to take risks and felt to have more control over their life. After becoming a leader, they became less extraverted, less willing to take risks, and less conscientious but gained self-esteem. Conclusions Our findings suggest that people are not simply "born to be leaders" but that their personalities change considerably in preparation for a leadership role and due to leadership experience. Some changes are transient, but others last for a long time.},
  language  = {en}
}