Assessing Leadership Style: Trait Analysis

(Ron) #1
William Jefferson Clinton's Psychology

ical or otherwise. Finally, relatedness refers to the basic nature of the
candidate's interpersonal relationships, that is, how he or she relates
to and treats others.


High Ambition

There could be little mistaking Bill Clinton's substantial level of
ambition (used here in a purely descriptive sense). His path from
Hope, a small town in rural Arkansas, to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
in Washington, DC, is a chronicle of, and a testament to, his per-
sonal and political ambitions.
There was also little doubt that Clinton had the skills to accom-
plish his ambition—a great reserve of energy, strong intelligence,
and a capacity to persist in his investment in his success and work.
Historically there are numerous accounts of Clinton's high level of
activity, beginning with his high school years and extending
through college at Georgetown University; Oxford University,
which he attended as a Rhodes Scholar; and Yale Law School. The
energy to fund his psychological investments was evident during his
presidential campaign. Describing Governor Clinton's frenetic
schedule during the presidential campaign, Senator David Pryor, a
good friend, noted that he had
enormous energy.... His schedule defied human tolerance.


... On February 17, the day before the New Hampshire pri-
mary vote, he made 17 stops over the state. At 11:30 that
night, schedule completed, he asked, "Isn't there a bowling
alley that's open all night? We need to shake some hands." (in
Levin 1992)


Character Integrity
The second basic element of character—integrity—requires us to ask
of Bill Clinton, What is the relationship between the ideals and val-
ues that truly define who he is and the person he presents himself to
be?
There was evidence in the campaign that Clinton entertained few
doubts about his motives, values, and candor. Plagued by questions
about his integrity and honesty during the campaign, he responded
by presenting himself as a man of conviction, determination, and
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