What are the different types of CEO? It is an interesting question that we have been asking since the dawn of the industrial age. Back then, it was not uncommon for a person to be the CEO of one company and the CEO of another. There has been a lot of evolution since those days. With this evolution came the need to redefine what a CEO was. The following is an attempt to identify each of the types of CEO.
The main categories of CEO types.
Visionary
From these different types of CEO we have the visionary, or rather, the visionary-type CEO. These are usually female CEOs who come from a creative background or a business industry with a lot of creativity, imagination, and problem-solving capabilities. They tend to put a more significant emphasis on innovation than do male CEOs. Their strengths, of course, have more to do with being able to see visions and ideas rather than doing actual work.
Critical Thinker
Typically, these CEOs come from a technical or scientific background, and they excel in areas where the product or service they are running offers excellent growth potential. However, an essential skill for a critical thinker is to visualize their desired outcome and have the mental capability of turning that goal into reality. Suppose an inventor or innovator doesn’t have this ability. In that case, it is likely they will get too caught up in analyzing its current market position, which could prove to be counterproductive to their own goals. Just as important as a good analyst is a good manager, the critical skill of a critical thinker is also necessary for a CEO role. Some of the other typical types of CEO are the self-starters, the self-leaders, and the transformers.
Team Player
From types of CEO we have the team player. This CEO type shares many of the characteristics of the transformers and self-starters, but they differ in that they seek out opportunities for teamwork over individual accomplishment. In a world where many business units seem to exist entirely for the sake of profit, this skill is precious. In addition, it is also compatible with the seventh CEO type, which is the innovator. These CEOs are always seeking new ways to maximize profits with minimal risk to remain competitive in the future.
Bridge Builder
The bridge builder – These are the most challenging type of CEO to manage successfully. In addition to being hard to work, bridges are also precious to companies. Bridge builders bring tremendous value to organizations because they can help create new products, new markets, new branding, and new leadership. Many large corporations have entire teams dedicated to bridging different CEO types. Bridge builders are also the most widely recognized CEO types and are the ones generally associated with leadership.
The Explorer
The Explorer. These CEOs love to learn. They are always looking to expand their knowledge base and further their understanding of their industry. While an avid reader, the explorer CEO is also an avid student of culture, leadership, and people.
The Reviewer
The Reviewer. The Reviewer is one of the more calm and structured CEO types. These types of CEOs can often be viewed as “cold” or business-like, but they positively affect everyone else in the office. Therefore, the Reviewer must see the strengths and weaknesses of each member to grow on a personal level. In addition, they can build an effective team with this knowledge too!
The Promotions
The Promotions. The promotions are for those employees who have been doing a great job and deserve a promotion. However, different CEO types will go for different levels of promotions.
Conclusion
When you begin to think about your leadership style, try to remember what CEO type represents in leadership. As you can see, there are different traits that all CEO types share, and you can use these traits to decide which type of CEO would be right for you. First, take a look at your own business and determine what skills you need to make your business a success. From there, figure out which of the CEO types fit your needs. And then, hire someone who has the right combination of skills, traits, and training.
