Royal Mail chief is well connected
By Emma Bache
In the second in an occasional series for The Times, our resident graphologist delivers her verdict on Allan Leighton, the chairman of Royal Mail Group.
Allan Leighton's CV
Allan Leighton came to prominence in the 1990s at Asda, rising to become chief executive of Wal-Mart Europe. He spent the first 18 years of his career at Mars. He coined the phrase “going plural” when he resigned from Wal-Mart in September 2000 with a view to taking several directorships. He is chairman of Bhs, Cannons, lastminute.com, Wilson Connolly and the Race for Opportunity campaign. He is also deputy chairman at Leeds United football club and a non-executive director of BSkyB, Dyson and George Weston. He turns 50 in April.
THIS handwriting appears self-assured, speedy and original. The frequent “thread” type connections, which give the writing a fluid, smooth look, indicate versatility and adaptability. However, the writer is extremely adept at persuasively and charmingly getting others to support them and see their point of view. Manipulative? Perhaps a little, but more importantly, charismatic and a born leader who is able to bring out the best in those around them.
Intelligent and with a dry wit, there is good clarity of thought and executive ability born out by writing which is neither overly large nor out of proportion. This is no active limelight-seeker but certainly someone who makes the best possible use of a keen mind and is well aware of his own capabilities — note the connection of middle zone letters (representing the ego) to the upper zone (the intellect). The writing is generally disconnected between individual letters which points to a highly intuitive writer but also one that doesn’t appreciate being pinned down by others. All too aware of the possible draining effect of negative or complacent individuals, the writer, although ever the diplomat, will actively seek out the more interesting colleagues and social circles, which could be perceived to be at the expense of conservatism or even stability.
This is not an aggressive writer but some small ticks in the upper zone indicate someone who may be irritable or at least easily irritated with irrelevancies. As for the slant of the writing, which indicates emotional response, it is largely vertical with occasional slight left leanings. The writer, although open to all experiences, will display cautious and well considered responses and it is not always easy to get to know the real person behind this measured facade. These same traits allow them to function extremely efficiently and effectively under pressure, where they will always shine out as the natural leader.
The right-pulling lower zone of the letter “y” certainly stands out and tends to break the fluidity of the script. Here is clearly someone who has displaced much energy as well as their own instinctual feelings into work and goal-orientated pursuits. They will be independent and self-reliant in personal relationships. Having said this, there is a genuine warmth and deep capacity for enjoyment and appreciation of new experiences as well as people. The middle zone ovals of the “a”s and “o”s are often looped or even filled in, which shows that much of the sensuality of the writer is expressed through work and there is an appreciation of the arts in all forms.
The fast speed of this unembellished writing and well balanced spacing between words shows someone who deals flexibly with himself and other people but there is also a false width to the actual letter formations — more uptight and controlled than any outgoing sociability may lead one to believe. They are able to appear interested and engaged at both formal and informal situations, even when this may be far from the truth.
The unusual “f” formation, which is only partially complete, further underlines the writer’s ability to reveal only the information that is deemed necessary when cross-examined. Their sharp and penetrating mind can sum up situations quickly, comprehending the most complex set of circumstances in record time.
All past hurts and insecurities are hidden very deeply indeed in the writer’s unconscious mind; note the frequent retracing, particularly in the middle and lower zones. This can be a source of tension to the writer themselves, who feels bound to remain composed and in charge of their emotions, and this goes a long way to explaining their cautious and at times verbally guarded responses.
Unusual and, for many, enigmatic, this inspirational character was born to stand out from the crowd