Cognitive Style and Emotional Intelligence

Abstract

This chapter seeks to apply two of the Greenstein criteria for political leadership to the premiership of John Major. This combination can be justified because cognitive style and emotional intelligence are the two psychology-orientated criteria within the Greenstein analytical framework, and therefore, it is appropriate for them to be assessed together. The structure of this chapter is thus as follows. First, an examination of Major’s cognitive style, both personally and collectively, with especial reference to the Prime Minister’s decision-making ability at collective Cabinet level and how it compares to his predecessor, Mrs Thatcher. Second, an examination of Major’s emotional intelligence, with especial reference to his childhood and upbringing and its effect on his psychopathology in later life, revealed during his premiership including: sensitivity to criticism, pride, toughness and resilience. Thus, a thorough examination of the psychology of Major between 1990 and 1997 can be achieved in this chapter.