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Why Your Perfect Candidate Might Not Be the Best Leader: The Importance of Personality Traits in Business
Debbie Morrison • May 2, 2023

As the business world becomes more competitive, finding the right leaders to guide your organisation through times of uncertainty can be a challenging task. In the business world, it is common for executives to focus their attention on a candidate's experience when filling leadership roles. However, this emphasis on experience is a myth that needs to be debunked. Personality traits play a critical role in determining the success of business leadership. 


Many companies prioritise experience when it comes to selecting their executives. However, recent studies show that personality traits are a more accurate predictor of success in leadership roles than experience alone. In this article, we discuss the personality traits that executives should look for in future leaders and explore why candidates that look perfect on paper are not necessarily the best leaders.



The Importance of Personality Traits in Business Leadership

When it comes to business leadership, personality traits are key to success. In fact, according to a study by Hogan Assessments, a leading personality assessment company, personality is the most important factor in determining whether someone will be successful in a leadership role. This is because personality traits such as emotional intelligence, adaptability, and integrity are critical to effective leadership.


Emotional intelligence, in particular, is a crucial personality trait for leaders. It involves the ability to recognize and manage one's own emotions and the emotions of others. Leaders who possess high emotional intelligence are more effective at communicating, collaborating, and resolving conflicts. They are also better at inspiring and motivating their teams. In fact, according to a study conducted by Korn Ferry, executives with high emotional intelligence (EI) generate significantly higher business results than those with lower EI. The study found that companies with higher EI leaders had 13% higher annual revenue than those with lower EI leaders. Additionally, companies with higher EI leaders had 50% higher levels of employee engagement and were 22% more likely to have lower employee turnover rates. These results indicate that leaders with high EI not only have a positive impact on the bottom line but also on the overall performance and culture of the organisation.


The Flawed Assumption of Perfect Candidates

Despite the importance of personality traits in leadership, many companies still prioritise experience when selecting their executives. They look for candidates who have the right credentials, education, and work history, assuming that these qualifications are enough to ensure success in the role.


However, this approach is flawed. The truth is that experience alone does not guarantee success in a leadership role. In fact, research shows that leaders who are high in certain personality traits but lack experience can be just as successful as those with more experience.


One reason for this is that experience can be limiting. Leaders who have spent their entire careers in a particular industry or role may struggle to adapt to new challenges and opportunities. They may be more set in their ways and less open to new ideas and approaches. 


Consider the case of Elizabeth Holmes, the former CEO of Theranos, a medical testing company that collapsed amid fraud allegations. Holmes was a highly educated and accomplished executive, with degrees from Stanford University and a successful company that garnered significant media attention. However, her personality traits, including overconfidence and a lack of transparency, were ultimately responsible for the downfall of her company.


Perhaps controversial, Steve Jobs, the co-founder and former CEO of Apple Inc. is an example of a leader whose single-minded focus and strong personality traits compensated for a lack of business experience. Jobs had a tumultuous career, with significant setbacks and challenges along the way. However, his personality traits, including his creativity, passion, and vision, were critical to his success as a leader. Jobs' leadership style was undeniably unconventional, but it was effective in creating an innovative culture and driving the company's growth.


Whilst these examples might point to the extremes, they do serve to highlight the point that more than experience alone is needed to determine a candidate's potential for effective leadership. It’s another reason why the perfect candidate is a myth. It's simply impossible to predict how someone will perform in a leadership role based on their past experience alone. A candidate may have all the right qualifications on paper but may not possess the personality traits needed to be an effective leader. 


Instead, executives should consider a candidate's personality traits and how they align with the organisation's culture and values.



Key Personality Traits to Look for in Executive Leaders

So, what personality traits should executives look for when selecting their leaders? There are several traits that are critical for effective leadership, including:


Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence (EI) is the ability to understand and manage one's emotions and those of others. Leaders with high EI are better able to connect with their team members, understand their perspectives, and inspire them to achieve their goals. Research has shown that EI is a strong predictor of leadership effectiveness, and executives should prioritise this trait when selecting their leaders.


Integrity

Integrity is another key personality trait for leaders. Leaders who are honest, ethical, and transparent inspire trust and loyalty among their teams. They are also more likely to make decisions that are in the best interests of the company and its stakeholders. In fact, a study by the Institute of Business Ethics found that companies with a strong ethical culture outperformed their peers by 10.6%.


Resilience

The ability to bounce back from setbacks and challenges is vital in today's business arena. Leaders who are resilient are better equipped to handle stress, navigate change, and inspire their team members to do the same. Resilient leaders can also maintain a positive attitude in the face of adversity, which can be a powerful motivator for their teams.


Empathy

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. Leaders who are empathetic are better able to connect with their team members on a personal level, which can foster loyalty, motivation, and engagement. Empathetic leaders also tend to be better at conflict resolution and problem-solving, as they are more likely to consider multiple perspectives and find creative solutions that benefit everyone.


Adaptability

Another important personality trait for leaders is adaptability. In today's fast-paced business world, leaders need to be able to adapt quickly to changes in the marketplace and the industry. They need to be able to pivot their strategies when necessary and make tough decisions under pressure. Leaders who are adaptable are better equipped to navigate uncertainty and lead their teams through change.


Vision

Vision is the ability to see the big picture and articulate a compelling future for the organisation. Leaders with a strong vision are better able to inspire their team members and align them around a shared purpose. A clear and compelling vision can also help guide decision-making and prioritise resources, which is critical for achieving long-term success.


Examples of Successful Leaders with Strong Personality Traits


The importance of personality traits in leadership is vital in the consumer goods and food and beverage industries in particular, where innovation, creativity and a consumer-centric approach are critical to success. In these industries, companies are constantly adapting to changing consumer trends and tastes. Leaders who are adaptable, creative, and customer-focused are more likely to succeed.

Whilst there are countless examples of successful leaders who have demonstrated the importance of personality traits in effective leadership. Here are just a few examples:


Indra Nooyi, Former CEO of PepsiCo

One example of this is PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi, who is widely regarded as one of the most successful and innovative leaders in the food and beverage industry. Nooyi, who stepped down from her role in 2018, was known for her focus on customer needs, her ability to anticipate and respond to industry trends, and her commitment to sustainability, health, and wellness, as well as her commitment to diversity and inclusion.

 

Under Nooyi's leadership, PepsiCo launched new products and brands, such as Gatorade and Quaker Oats, and expanded into new markets, such as China and India. Nooyi's approach to leadership was rooted in her personality traits, such as her strong emotional intelligence, her ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders, her commitment to ethical leadership and her ability to adapt her leadership style to suit the cultural and organisational context. Under her leadership, PepsiCo's revenue doubled, and the company's stock price increased by 78%.


Paul Polman, the former CEO of Unilever

Another example is Paul Polman, the former CEO of Unilever. Polman, who stepped down from his role in 2018, was known for his focus on sustainable business practices and his ability to drive growth while also reducing the company's environmental impact.


Polman's passion for sustainability, his ability to inspire and motivate his teams, and his commitment to transparency and integrity underpinned his leadership style and how he used his personality to drive positive business outcomes. Under Polman's leadership, Unilever launched its Sustainable Living Plan. Guided by Polman’s leadership, Unilever's Sustainable Living Plan has shown impressive results. According to the company's 2020 Sustainability Report, Unilever has:

  • Reduced greenhouse gas emissions from its operations by 62% since 2008, and is on track to meet its target of being carbon positive by 2030
  • Sourced 62% of its agricultural raw materials sustainably, and aims to achieve 100% by 2023
  • Helped over 1 billion people improve their health and hygiene through initiatives such as Lifebuoy soap's hand-washing campaigns
  • Achieved a 35% reduction in waste per consumer use since 2010, and is committed to ensuring that 100% of its plastic packaging is reusable, recyclable, or compostable by 2025.



Selecting Leaders Based on Personality Traits

So how can companies select leaders based on personality traits? 

One approach is to partner with an executive search firm and use personality assessments to evaluate candidates' personality traits and identify those that are best suited for the role.


Personality assessments can provide valuable insights into candidates' strengths and weaknesses, their leadership style, and their potential for growth and development. They can also help companies identify candidates who may not have the most experience but possess the right personality traits and potential for success in the role.


It's important to note, however, that personality assessments should not be used as the sole basis for selecting leaders. They should be used in combination with other factors, such as experience, skills, and values, to ensure that candidates are a good fit for the role and the company culture.


Personality traits are critical for effective business leadership. While experience and qualifications are important, they are not sufficient on their own to determine a candidate's potential for leadership success. Executives must prioritise personality traits such as emotional intelligence, resilience, empathy, adaptability, and vision when selecting their leaders. By doing so, they can build a strong leadership team that is equipped to navigate challenges, inspire their teams, and drive the organisation's success.


It's time to debunk the myth of the perfect candidate and focus on the traits that matter most for effective leadership. By doing so, executives can ensure that their organisations are led by individuals who are not only qualified but also possess the personality traits necessary to drive long-term success.

By John Elliott March 24, 2025
Emotional intelligence is one of the most valued traits in executive leadership today.  It’s also one of the most misunderstood. In interviews, every candidate knows how to speak about empathy, collaboration, and “bringing people on the journey.” But when does that emotional intelligence start to look more like emotional avoidance? If you’re hiring into a senior role in consumer goods or food and beverage manufacturing, this distinction matters. Hiring someone who avoids hard conversations risks building a culture that performs around problems, not through them. The leaders delivering the best outcomes in 2025 understand how to build trust and rapport — without dodging the accountability that comes with real leadership. Emotional Intelligence: What It Gets Right In complex, fast-paced industries like FMCG and food production, leaders need more than technical expertise. They must influence, de-escalate tension, manage change, and build alignment across functions. That’s where emotional intelligence shines. High-EQ leaders are more likely to: Retain talent through strong, trust-based relationships Remain composed in high-stakes environments Reduce conflict through proactive, clear communication Drive psychological safety while still pushing for results The research backs this up. According to a 2024 EHL Insights report , emotionally intelligent leaders improve employee satisfaction, engagement, and collaboration — all essential in manufacturing settings where coordination between departments is critical. But there’s a fine line between emotional intelligence and emotional overcorrection. When Emotional Intelligence Becomes Emotional Avoidance The risk is subtle: leaders who over-index on empathy may begin to avoid the discomfort of conflict altogether. That looks like: Letting underperformance linger to “keep the peace” Over-relying on collaboration instead of making firm decisions Avoiding direct feedback Prioritising harmony at the expense of clarity A 2024 Forbes article described how emotionally avoidant leaders — despite good intentions — often undermine the very culture they’re trying to protect. Accountability erodes, decisions slow down, and high performers become disengaged. We’ve seen this play out in executive search mandates across the sector. On paper, a candidate may appear ideal: emotionally intelligent, highly personable, well-liked. But dig deeper, and a pattern emerges — reluctance to address performance issues, vague language around past team challenges, and a track record of avoiding direct confrontation. That’s not emotional intelligence. That’s fear, dressed as empathy. Emotional Intelligence Is a Must — But It’s Not the Full Picture More organisations are making emotional intelligence a key leadership trait in hiring — and for good reason. In high-change environments, emotionally intelligent leaders: Build trust across teams quickly Navigate transformation without losing people along the way Stay composed under pressure Handle interpersonal complexity with clarity But some of the most costly mis-hires we see come from leaders who present as highly empathetic, but struggle to lead through tension. Not because they lack EQ — but because they confuse it with keeping everyone comfortable. The difference? The leaders delivering the best outcomes in 2024 and 2025 are doing both: Holding people accountable while building engagement Delivering hard feedback without defensiveness Balancing calm with courage These are the leaders who retain high performers, protect standards, and still earn trust across the business. Hiring Outcomes Are Better When EQ Is Tested in Context The most effective hiring processes we’re seeing in the market today aren’t just asking, “Is this leader emotionally intelligent?” They’re asking: Can this person hold accountability and empathy at the same time? Have they delivered under pressure without letting performance slide? Do they create safe cultures that are also high-performing? The difference in outcomes is clear: More resilient leadership teams Better cultural fit Fewer surprises post-placement What to Look for in Executive Interviews Hiring emotionally intelligent leaders isn’t just about what they say — it’s about how they’ve acted in real moments of challenge. The most effective hiring panels are getting beyond rehearsed narratives by asking sharper questions: To probe real emotional intelligence: “Tell me about a time you had to lead a team through a change that wasn’t popular.” “How do you approach a conversation when someone on your team is underperforming?” “Describe a time you disagreed with your CEO or board. What did you do?” Watch for signals: Are they clear and specific, or vague and diplomatic? Do they show respect and resolve? Do they accept responsibility, or redirect it elsewhere? In reference checks, ask: “How did they manage pressure or uncertainty?” “Were they able to deliver difficult feedback directly?” “Did they avoid difficult decisions in the name of team cohesion?” When emotional intelligence is genuine, it shows up in results — not just relationships. Why This Matters Now Organisations in the consumer goods and food manufacturing sectors are undergoing constant disruption — from digitisation to regulatory shifts to cost pressures. In this environment, leadership soft skills aren’t optional. But it’s not enough to hire likeable leaders. The ones delivering real impact are those who bring empathy and edge. They’re able to sit with discomfort, hold the mirror up, and still bring people with them. That’s what true emotional intelligence looks like in 2025. So when you’re hiring your next senior leader, don’t just ask if they care. Ask if they can care and confront — with courage, with clarity, and with conviction. Because your culture doesn’t need more harmony. It needs more truth.
By John Elliott March 18, 2025
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