Executive Types
What type of executive are you?
Although there are many ways to classify executives, most often we encounter two very common types. Neither is particularly better than the other, but each has its strengths and weaknesses. Which are you?
The Visionary
These executives pride themselves on understanding market dynamics and developing a vision for the future. They readily look beyond the immediate borders of their business to embrace opportunities. Employees seeking to participate in a "greater cause" will readily follow The Visionary.
The Practitioner
These executives pride themselves on knowing all detailed aspects of their business. Typically they have either founded the company or have risen in the industry from entry level. Employees seeking greater industry expertise will readily follow The Practitioner.
Both types of executives are challenged with
1) having to repeat directives, and
2) effectively implementing change, as the needed approach varies from the norm.
Although there are many ways to classify executives, most often we encounter two very common types. Neither is particularly better than the other, but each has its strengths and weaknesses. Which are you?
The Visionary
These executives pride themselves on understanding market dynamics and developing a vision for the future. They readily look beyond the immediate borders of their business to embrace opportunities. Employees seeking to participate in a "greater cause" will readily follow The Visionary.
| Strengths | Visionaries are frequently excellent delegators and intuitive decision makers, rapidly responding to challenges without feeling the need to exhaustively examine every alternative. |
| Weaknesses | Visionaries may communicate concepts at times in which procedural clarification is needed. They occasionally lose patience with the need to address detailed, operational challenges. |
The Practitioner
These executives pride themselves on knowing all detailed aspects of their business. Typically they have either founded the company or have risen in the industry from entry level. Employees seeking greater industry expertise will readily follow The Practitioner.
| Strengths | Practitioners are able to assist their direct reports with any challenge that arises. They are thorough decision makers, gathering all the facts before proceeding. |
| Weaknesses | Practitioners may have trouble developing and articulating a comprehensive vision for the company's future. They may lose patience at times with less-experienced managers and be tempted to leap-frog their authority. |
Both types of executives are challenged with
1) having to repeat directives, and
2) effectively implementing change, as the needed approach varies from the norm.
