CHARACTER AND AUTHENTIC TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP BEHAVIOR: EXPANDING THE ASCETIC SELF TOWARD OTHERS John J. Sosik and John C. Cameron The Pennsylvania State University Character, or inherent moral beliefs, intentions, and predispositions, is often considered to be a foundational element of outstanding leadership according to numerous theories of leadership and positive psychology. Yet, a framework for understanding the complex nature of character and the role it plays in determining who is able to display outstanding leadership does not fully exist. We present a framework and propositions for examining how the self-concept plays an integral role in the display of authentic transformational leadership behavior given individual and situational characteristics. We propose that leaders first create an ascetic self-construal that derives from character strengths and virtues and then project this self-image through idealized influence, inspirational moti- vation, intellectual stimulation, and individualized consideration behavior. We identify and discuss 23 specific character strengths reflecting 6 universal virtues in the model (i.e., wisdom, courage, humanity, justice, temperance, and transcendence), as well as suggest ways for assessing and developing behavior consistent with virtue and trans- formational leadership. Keywords: character strength, virtue, ascetic self-construal, authentic transformational leadership, leadership development and consulting Character, an individual’s core moral beliefs, intentions, and predispositions, is frequently men- tioned by psychology researchers and practitioners as a distinguishing feature of outstanding leaders (Hollenbeck, 2009). Yet, a framework for understanding the complex nature of character and the role it plays in determining who is able to display outstanding leadership does not fully exist. With the exception of Bass and Steidlmeier (1999) and Sosik (2006), there has been little discussion on how leaders can harness character strengths and virtues to produce outcomes associated with transformational leadership, which several meta-analyses have linked to the highest levels of individual, group, and organizational performance (e.g., Antonakis, Avolio, & Sivasubramaniam, 2003). In this article, we explain how the notion of character extends well beyond the common parlance of “integrity” to include other virtues considered by philosophical and religious traditions John J. Sosik and John C. Cameron, Department of Management, Great Valley School of Graduate Professional Studies, The Pennsylvania State University. Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to John J. Sosik, Department of Management, Great Valley School of Graduate Professional Studies, The Pennsylvania State University, Malvern, PA 19355. E-mail: jjs20@psu.edu Consulting Psychology Journal: Practice and Research © 2010 American Psychological Association 2010, Vol. 62, No. 4, 251–269 1065-9293/10/$12.00 DOI: 10.1037/a0022104 251 This document is copyrighted by the American Psychological Association or one of its allied publishers. This article is intended solely for the personal use of the individual user and is not to be disseminated broadly.