Qualities of Leadership

Reading a number of books and articles regarding Lance Armstrong, as well as watching numerous interviews leads me to believe that he would be best classified as a "controller". Lance acts as a controller based upon his strong will and perseverence. He trains beyond capacity and has a singular focus when he prepares for a bike race. His focus is obtained through his competitive nature and his ambition. The take charge attitude that he brings to the bike race and to the foundation are in strong alignment with controller characteristics. Controllers tend to take initiative with other individuals and with groups. All of the above attributes further link him to the "controller" behavior characteristic.

Lance's secondary behavior characteristic appears to be that of a "promoter". Promoters tend to be persuasive, insightful, and forceful. As the Lance Armstrong Foundation has grown internationally, these traits have been seen in his meetings with world leaders, international organizations, and anyone who is willing to join the fight against cancer.

As someone who wears everyday a yellow "Livestrong" bracelet the simplicity of this symbol is an example of creativity and the lasting memory of caring for someone with cancer. This one dollar bracelet has raised millions of dollars for the foundation and is futher evidence of Lance's ingenuity and steadfast focus. Promoters tend to get actively involved with people and look for inspirational situations in which to become involved.

Growing up as a young boy, Lance Armstrong typically competed with boys that were much older and much stronger. Defeat made him work all the harder to overcome any shortcomings and grow as an individual and as an elite athlete. (Jenkins, 2000) He took the same approach to fighting cancer. Regardless of how heavy the odds were against him he kept strong his body, mind and spirit He became a consumer of medical literature as he would not let cancer defeat him. These experiences and the combination mental and physical learning have demonstrated his strategic quality in terms of dimensions of leadership. Failures and illness have played a large role in his life. Overcoming these and any obstacles have made him the leader that I perceive him to be.


Jenkins, S. (2000). It's not about the bike. Penguin Putnam: New York.