Leadership Traits - Time Horizon

As leadership traits literature goes, Jaques and Cason add a unique perspective. It provides insight into a key leadership characteristic that is largely untouched in other literature.

Jaques identified the length (complex time span) of a task an individual can handle alone and the mental ability to handle levels of complexity as key leadership traits.

Jaques further notes that in order for a leader to be a resource, the leader needs to have greater time span than the people led. Peering further down the road brings a look at resources, materials, planning and people who will be needed to complete the task.

Leadership Tips

Read Jaques, E. & Cason (1994) Human Capability. Falls Church, VA, Cason Hall.

Jaques and Cason have developed statistically reliable tools to assess time span and ability to mentally manage complexity. These tools should be considered as ways to choose high potential leaders.

For more information on Dr. Jaques work, click here.

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