Leader popularity stems from leader-follower congruence while greatness stems from leader traits

Evidence

These results suggest two conclusions. First, among American presidents at least, leader appeal is a function of how well the leader’s own motives fit the motive imagery profile of the times. Presidential leadership performance, however, is a very different matter. Both rated performance and several of the most significant outcomes were functions more of leader attributes (especially power motivation) than of leader-situation match. Indeed, among American presidents it appears that the greatest presidents were those who were least congruent with the followers of their society. — John T. Jost and Jim Sidanius, Political Psychology, 1361

Categorization

• XREF: Connects to Erikson’s leader-follower congruence theory and the Weber/Barber leader-centric accounts contrasted elsewhere in this same chapter; echoes the appeal-vs-performance split the reader cares about in identity-fit dynamics. — connects to: Leader appeal depends on leader-follower trait matching while performance reflects enduring traits. — John T. Jost and Jim Sidanius, Political Psychology, 1366; Leader appeal theories fall into traits, situation-matching, and follower-matching accounts — John T. Jost and Jim Sidanius, Political Psychology, 1289; Successful leaders rise when their own conflicts match their followers’ needs — John T. Jost and Jim Sidanius, Political Psychology, 1288 (+3 more)
• QUESTION: This directly parallels a core question in strategic-essentialism research: whether alignment/fit with an audience is what makes an identity claim land, while genuine nonconformity is what determines lasting impact.

Broader Connections

• Leader appeal depends on leader-follower trait matching while performance reflects enduring traits. #corroborates (0.95) — John T. Jost and Jim Sidanius, Political Psychology, 1366
• Leader appeal theories fall into traits, situation-matching, and follower-matching accounts #responds-to (0.80) — John T. Jost and Jim Sidanius, Political Psychology, 1289
• Successful leaders rise when their own conflicts match their followers’ needs #corroborates (0.80) — John T. Jost and Jim Sidanius, Political Psychology, 1288