Out-of-control behavior by powerful individuals captivates the media, but new research from UC San Diego and Texas A&M suggests that self-control is the true predictor of power. Published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, the study found that individuals with high self-control are perceived as more powerful and suited for influential roles by their peers. Surprisingly, even those who set ambitious goals but fail to meet them are seen as less powerful, regardless of performance. This research emphasizes the importance of self-control in leadership positions, showing that acting in alignment with one’s goals is key to being perceived as powerful.
https://today.ucsd.edu/story/having-self-control-leads-to-power