There are many different kinds of personalities that make up the world’s population, and it is evident in various leadership positions. Some people tend to be charismatic or aggressive types who like to lead with their emotions, while others tend to be more passive types that excel at delegating tasks and managing resources. CEOs can also fall under any one of these categories, but the most common type found among today’s business leaders is extroverted.
Extroverts
Extroverts have a lot going for them as CEO material: they’re outgoing, energetic, assertive and generally good communicators. Extroverts don’t shy away from confrontation; they thrive on it – which makes them natural negotiators. They also work well in teams because they know how to draw out other people’s ideas and skills.
Introverts
Some other personality types that show success as CEOs are the introvert, who tends toward shyness; the obsessive-compulsive type; and the paranoid individual. Introverts are deliberate thinkers, which makes them good at looking before leaping because they know exactly where to step. They also don’t waste time on tasks that won’t yield results, which is great for making the hard decisions. Their tendency to be private means they can also be seen as aloof or insensitive.
Obsessive-Compulsive
Obsessive-compulsives are perfectionists who are constantly seeking closure on all projects – both ongoing and completed ones. They will never rest until every “i” has been dotted and every “t” has been crossed. This makes them very capable managers because they can juggle multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously, but it also makes them a little controlling. They may be too focused on detail to see the big picture of what’s happening in the company.
Paranoid
Paranoid types are hard workers who pride themselves on their high standards. They’re always watching for potential problems, which can sometimes get them into trouble because they see threats where there really aren’t any. Their tendency to blame others for their own mistakes helps keep subordinates on their toes, but it can also damage relationships in the company when people feel like they’re being unfairly targeted.
Other types of CEO’s
Other personality types that show success as CEOs are the easygoing type, who enjoy making others happy; and the spontaneous type, who excel at thinking outside the box. Easygoing types know how to keep morale up during tough times, and they’re also great problem solvers because they’ll try just about anything if it will help move things along. Spontaneous types thrive on new and exciting projects and challenges, and they’re also very creative individuals.
The main personality type that doesn’t show success as a CEO is the reserved type. This personality type doesn’t like to draw attention to themselves; which can be a hindrance because CEOs require strong communication skills during both presentations and behind-the-scenes negotiations. They tend to be too humble and unwilling to ask for the credit they deserve, which can be a major drawback. They also tend to avoid risks because they’d rather play it safe.
A personality test can be helpful in determining what kind of personality type a CEO is likely to have, but their job description or resume might also provide some insight. A CEO who’s always in the public eye is likely an extrovert, while one who’s constantly behind closed doors is more of an introvert. A CEO who enjoys guest speakers and company picnics might also be a “people person,” or perhaps really enjoy showing his or her company’s products to the world. Conversely, a CEO whose schedule is full of meetings with company heads might be very detail-oriented rather than big-picture oriented.
The takeaway
CEOs are often extroverts who enjoy making others happy, but they can also be introverted or any other type. A personality test is a good way to determine which kind of CEO you have in your company, and the job description may provide some insight as well. When hiring for this position it’s important to keep these different types in mind so that you’re not limiting yourself when looking at potential applicants.
There are many different kinds of personalities that make up the world’s population, and it is evident in various leadership positions. Some people tend to be charismatic or aggressive types who like to lead with their emotions, while others tend to be more passive types that excel at delegating tasks and managing resources. CEOs can also fall under any one of these categories, but the most common type found among today’s business leaders is extroverted.
Extroverts
Extroverts have a lot going for them as CEO material: they’re outgoing, energetic, assertive and generally good communicators. Extroverts don’t shy away from confrontation; they thrive on it – which makes them natural negotiators. They also work well in teams because they know how to draw out other people’s ideas and skills.
Introverts
Some other personality types that show success as CEOs are the introvert, who tends toward shyness; the obsessive-compulsive type; and the paranoid individual. Introverts are deliberate thinkers, which makes them good at looking before leaping because they know exactly where to step. They also don’t waste time on tasks that won’t yield results, which is great for making the hard decisions. Their tendency to be private means they can also be seen as aloof or insensitive.
Obsessive-Compulsive
Obsessive-compulsives are perfectionists who are constantly seeking closure on all projects – both ongoing and completed ones. They will never rest until every “i” has been dotted and every “t” has been crossed. This makes them very capable managers because they can juggle multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously, but it also makes them a little controlling. They may be too focused on detail to see the big picture of what’s happening in the company.
Paranoid
Paranoid types are hard workers who pride themselves on their high standards. They’re always watching for potential problems, which can sometimes get them into trouble because they see threats where there really aren’t any. Their tendency to blame others for their own mistakes helps keep subordinates on their toes, but it can also damage relationships in the company when people feel like they’re being unfairly targeted.
Other types of CEO’s
Other personality types that show success as CEOs are the easygoing type, who enjoy making others happy; and the spontaneous type, who excel at thinking outside the box. Easygoing types know how to keep morale up during tough times, and they’re also great problem solvers because they’ll try just about anything if it will help move things along. Spontaneous types thrive on new and exciting projects and challenges, and they’re also very creative individuals.
The main personality type that doesn’t show success as a CEO is the reserved type. This personality type doesn’t like to draw attention to themselves; which can be a hindrance because CEOs require strong communication skills during both presentations and behind-the-scenes negotiations. They tend to be too humble and unwilling to ask for the credit they deserve, which can be a major drawback. They also tend to avoid risks because they’d rather play it safe.
A personality test can be helpful in determining what kind of personality type a CEO is likely to have, but their job description or resume might also provide some insight. A CEO who’s always in the public eye is likely an extrovert, while one who’s constantly behind closed doors is more of an introvert. A CEO who enjoys guest speakers and company picnics might also be a “people person,” or perhaps really enjoy showing his or her company’s products to the world. Conversely, a CEO whose schedule is full of meetings with company heads might be very detail-oriented rather than big-picture oriented.
The takeaway
CEOs are often extroverts who enjoy making others happy, but they can also be introverted or any other type. A personality test is a good way to determine which kind of CEO you have in your company, and the job description may provide some insight as well. When hiring for this position it’s important to keep these different types in mind so that you’re not limiting yourself when looking at potential applicants.