The present study investigated leadership characteristics of Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) from major corporations in the USA. The sample was obtained from 80 verbatim interviews on the CNN broadcast “Pinnacle.” 30 interviews were randomly selected and rated on 25 personality/lifestyle dimensions. The analyses indicated some consistent trends, namely, CEOs exhibited clear values, high tolerance for frustration, egalitarian attitudes, and dedication to the “work ethic.” Several surprising findings were noted, such as inadequate family life and low social visibility. Implications for research on the executives' personalities were discussed.
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