Towards a Model of Leader Character Development: Insights From Anatomy and Music Therapy

Abstract

Leader character has emerged as a critical foundation for leadership. In spite of the view that leader character can be developed, there has been limited holistic attention to what it takes to develop character. Character requires conscious development, and that conscious development not only requires an understanding of what character is, but how the anatomy of character enables and inhibits character development and expression. By anatomy, we refer to the four underlying anatomical systems—physiology, affect, behavior, and cognition (PABC)—that function independently, and in an interrelated manner, to support the development of character. For illustration, we offer the practice of listening to music as a means to develop character, highlighting the links between the PABC systems and character development.

Character and Trust in Crisis Leadership: Probing the Relationships Among Character, Identification-Based Trust, and Perceptions of Effectiveness in Political Leadership During the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…However, there are important differences between character and personality traits. For example, character is anchored in virtuous behaviors and can be learned through deliberate practice over a person's life span, as opposed to personality traits, which are relatively stable and, importantly, mostly agnostic to virtue (e.g., Crossan et al, 2021 ; Wright & Huang, 2008 ; Wright & Lauer, 2013 ). Further, unlike personality traits, the effective deployment of any of the virtues that comprise character is context-sensitive, thereby creating cross-situational variance in behaviors (e.g., Hannah & Avolio, 2011 ; Schwartz & Sharpe, 2006 ).…”

Character-enabled improvisation and the new normal: A paradox perspective

“…We build on Crossan et al (2021b) who describe how character can be exercised through improvisation. A key concept is that of “load,” from exercise science, meaning that more challenging exercises provide the stimulus to strengthen muscles.…”

“…This does not discount the positive affect of compassion, for example, that can arise in emergency situations, as previously discussed; however, it is imperative to examine the role of character as it relates to negative affect. Crossan et al (2021b) describe that the development of character relies on four anatomical systems-physiology, affect, behavior, and cognition (PABCs)-meaning that although character is revealed in observable behaviors, those behaviors are connected with the other systems. Emotional regulation during crisis is intimately linked to physiology, for example, and both are important for the exercise of the character dimension of temperance.…”

“…Returning to the PABCs underpinning character, the important point about affect is that it cannot be divorced from its connection to the other systems. As Crossan et al (2021b) describe, weak regulation associated with the physiological system hinders the development of temperance and contributes to the experience of stress and anxiety so prevalent in emergency contexts. This also means that the privileging of cognition in improvisation research (e.g.…”

Does Leader Character Have a Gender?

“…They conceptualize character as an expression of virtues, personality traits, and values that manifest in observable behaviors that facilitate human excellence and produce social betterment (e.g., Bright et al, 2006 ; Crossan et al, 2017 ; Hannah & Avolio, 2011 ; Nguyen & Crossan, 2021 ; Peterson & Seligman, 2004 ; Sarros et al, 2006 ; Wang & Hackett, 2016 ; Wilson & Newstead, 2022 ). Research has also focused on the antecedents and consequences of character (e.g., Cameron et al, 2004 ; Seijts et al, 2022 ; Sosik et al, 2012 ), how to develop character in individuals (e.g., Byrne et al, 2018 ; Crossan et al, 2021a ; Hartman, 2006 ), and how to embed practices and processes in organizational policies to facilitate the development of character (e.g., Crossan et al, 2021b ; Sosik & Jung, 2018 ). Yet despite the significant progress in understanding character and its role in business leadership, many questions remain unanswered.…”