Applying common sense leadership : evidence from senior leaders

The purpose of this study is call for further academic conversations into how to practice common sense leadership in a 21st century organization. This qualitative study was performed from July 29th through December 7th, 2010, which involved 26 participants from across the United States who were identified as senior leaders in their organization. These executives indicated that leading by example; managing your human assets; doing the right thing; seeing the big picture; developing a plan for the future; and making the right hiring and transitional decisions were key common sense leadership best practices. Participants concluded that common sense leadership is a full, hands-on effort, which requires attention to every detail of the business from financial to human asset management toward all members of the organization.