Leadership: interpreting life patterns and their managerial significance

To illuminate the managerial significance of life patterns and to assist development of qualitative methodology.Design/methodology/approach – The theoretical proposition of a Manager Quad is empirically examined. Interview data from 16 managers are analysed using an interpretive frame. Methods of meaning generation are illustrated and this provides greater transparency and credibility of findings.Findings – Managers' characteristics are found to form thematic distinctions corresponding with outcomes of leader effectiveness and individual success. Research limitations/implications – The evidence suggests the worth of future qualitative research using explicit interpretive methods.Practical implications – Managers as mentors for leader development should be chosen according to the category in which they are assigned by research evidence.Originality/value – The paper has value for researchers, management educators and practitioners. The importance of life patterns in the leader/manager debate is suggested with inferences drawn regarding management education.