What it takes: Ability,demographic, bright and dark side trait correlates of years to promotion

Over 6000 adult managers attending an assessment centre completed a battery of tests including a ‘bright side’ personality trait measure (NEO-PI-R); a ‘dark side’/disorders measure (HDS), an ability test (GMA) and also specified, in detail, how long it had been before they were promoted to a managerial role, and also, where appropriate to a senior managerial role. Correlation analyses showed shorter times to promotion were associated with low Neuroticism, high Extraversion, high Conscientiousness, and high Intelligence, as well as being high on Bold and Colourful, but low on Cautious, Reserved and Leisurely “dark side” traits. Regressions showed the higher-order, dark side factors named “Moving against” people positively, and “Away from” and “Moving toward” people negatively, were associated with promotions. Implications for the selection and management of people, as well as limitations of this study are considered.