Marie Blakesley and Gillian Hyde have joined forces to deliver one of the most comprehensive behavioural analyses of public sector Chief Executives to date. Their collaborative research, published in Assessment & Development Matters, offers a rare and data-rich perspective on the personality traits that underpin, and sometimes undermine, leadership success in public service.

At GatenbySanderson, we believe that leadership is not just about capability, but about character. This partnership brings together deep expertise in psychological assessment and leadership consultancy to explore the behavioural risks that can derail even the most experienced leaders.

What the Research Reveals

Using data from over 445 public sector CEOs, the study leverages the Hogan Development Survey (HDS) to identify high-risk personality traits, known as derailers, and their correlation with leadership outcomes.

The findings are both reassuring and provocative:

• Nearly half of CEOs assessed showed no high-risk derailers, indicating a high level of behavioural stability.
• Traits such as Imaginative and Colourful were the most common risks, linked to curiosity, agility, and charisma, but also to impracticality and self-absorption when overplayed.
• The trait Bold, associated with overconfidence and resistance to feedback, was significantly more prevalent among unsuccessful candidates, suggesting a clear link between humility and appointment success.

Why This Matters Now

Public sector CEOs operate in environments defined by complexity, scrutiny, and rapid change. As organisations seek leaders who can inspire transformation while remaining grounded in operational reality, understanding the behavioural nuances of leadership becomes essential.

This research provides practical insight for:

• Selection panels seeking to identify leadership risk early in the recruitment process
• HR and OD professionals designing development interventions
• Boards and stakeholders navigating succession planning with confidence

A Data-Driven Approach to Leadership

Marie Blakesley, Partner and Head of Assessment & Talent Consulting at GatenbySanderson, and Gillian Hyde, Chief Psychologist at Psychological Consultancy Ltd, bring together decades of experience in executive assessment. Their collaboration reflects our shared commitment to evidence-based leadership development and the responsible use of psychometric tools in public service.

As part of our ongoing work to shape inclusive, resilient and future-ready leadership, this research strengthens our understanding of how personality traits influence performance, and how organisations can better support leaders to thrive.

Gain access to exclusive behavioural data and leadership insights from GatenbySanderson.

👉  Download the full report: The CEO Personality in the Public Sector: Traits That Derail