Daily messages make their way to me via email, snail mail, Facebook, LinkedIn, text and phone (fortunately, the carrier pigeons have not yet arrived). While in the process of sending responses, deleting messages, and blocking senders, I was delighted to find a very interesting piece by Adam Vandoski posted on Proformative.com’s blog.

Vandoski identifies four types of CEOs. I realized that we’ve had the opportunity to work with each type and there is a theme in that they share many of the same behavioral traits! Do you recognize yourself or your Senior staff in these types? Following we’ve summarized Vandoski’s four types and added the Profile XT® Behavioral Traits we often see shared in these different styles.

1.      Entrepreneurial Founder CEO

Loves the challenge of creating and building. They know how to make things happen and are willing to take risks to achieve their goals. They do whatever it takes and may be frustrated with those who don’t operate with the same speed and passion. May have a hard time letting go. Typically conduct themselves with less calmness which can impact their direct reports.

Common behavioral traits on the Profile XT®: High Numerical Reasoning, High Energy, Low Manageability, High Decisiveness, High Independence.

2.      Braveheart CEO

Big on inspirational speeches and vision. According to Alex Schiff, the Co-founder and CEO of the note-taking app Fetchnotes, these are “the type of people you want to believe in, even if you have doubts.” Do a good job of attracting and motivating employees. They are dependent on trusted advisors. Their success is somewhat dependent on their ability to mentor.

Common behavioral traits on the Profile XT®: High Verbal Reasoning, High Energy, High Decisiveness, Low Objective Judgment.

3.      Custodian CEO

Conservative custodian who wants to maintain and protect what others have built. They are often installed in the role of CEO after a buyout. It is their role to be a good steward of the existing business. They are likely to be cautious regarding risks and not as hands on as the Entrepreneur or Braveheart.

Common behavioral traits on the Profile XT®: High Average to Above Average Thinking Style, Mid-range Behavioral Traits, Leans Towards the Right on Objective Judgment.

4.      Calf-Fattner CEO

Growth minded, resolute in accomplishing their commitments. Less likely to be involved in day-to-day operations. They are interested in results and focus on strategic goals while their second-tier executives run the business. If there is a problem, the fallout is felt at the second tier of management.

Common behavioral traits on the Profile XT®: High Energy, High Objective Judgment, Above Average Assertiveness.

All of these styles will work in the appropriate scenario. When a CEO understands their style, they have a much better chance of reaching their goals and hiring people who can complement them.

Personnel Profiling offers an Executive Written Report and confidential discussion of CEO-style with C-suite leaders.

Linda Winlock is the owner and President of Personnel Profiling Inc (PersonnelProfiling.com). Established in 1987, Personnel Profiling Inc. provides organizational development, employment assessments and human resource services to companies throughout the nation. Linda has over 25 years of experience working with all types of industries and companies of varying sizes including Trane Heating and Air, Atria Senior Living, Hillerich & Bradsby Co., and many others.   Her experience includes many years of Executive Coaching, Interviewing, Team Building and Training.   Linda’s formal education includes a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Louisville with a concentration in counseling psychology. Linda and members of her team will be ongoing contributors to the Academy Blog.

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