Transformational leadership and the big five personality traits of counselor educators

ABSTRACT This study examined the association between Big Five personality and counselor educators’ transformational leadership style. Findings indicate that all five personality traits were significant predictors. Transformational leaders were characterized by a low score on Neuroticism and high scores on Extraversion, Openness to Experience, Agreeableness, and Conscientiousness. Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Openness to Experience were the strongest predictors. This study did not find gender or racial/ethnic differences. Implications for counselor education are discussed.