A personality comparison of active Idaho public school superintendents with successful public school superintendents as selected by their peers

摘要

This study investigated the personality traits of active and successful Idaho public school and compared the personalities of the two groups. The population used was the K--12 public school superintendent the state of Idaho. The response rate was 75%.;A personality inventory was used to gather data on the personality of each superintendent, along with a superintendent survey to identify personality traits of successful superintendents. The results showed that the active superintendents were secure, hardy and generally relaxed, even under stressful conditions. The successful superintendents were calm, and able to deal with stress, but sometimes had feelings of guilt, anger or sadness. The active superintendents were outgoing, active and high-spirited. The successful superintendents were moderate in activity. They enjoyed the company of others, but also valued privacy. The active superintendents were very practical and set in their ways. The successful superintendents were open to new experiences, had broad interests and were very imaginative. Both groups of were and eager to cooperate and avoid conflict and they were conscientious, well organized, and had high standards.;Other significant traits identified from the successful superintendent survey were: integrity, honesty, knowledgeable, child centered, committed to child success, personable, articulate in communication, intelligent, caring and were able to laugh at themselves.;It is essential that a superintendent have the right personality to form and maintain good working relationships with all of the constituencies in a school district.;Those individuals who plan to enter a preparation program for the superintendency, should understand their own personality and compatibility with the complexities of the position of superintendent.;Individuals serving in the superintendency should have an understanding of the personality interactions that are used within the total district operation and how they affect the total decision making process.;Boards of education should review the personality traits of superintendent candidates in the selection of a leader for the school district. Personality is a major factor in the success or failure of the superintendent.;The knowledge and understanding of personality would provide a unique, additional key in the preparation, selection and success of a superintendent of schools.