Leading is a specialty

In the past, choosing a leader meant picking someone with technical skills, expertise and knowledge of the business. However, times are changing and leaders no longer need to be all things to all people, says Kathleen Grace, a partner in Jackson Leadership Systems Inc. in Newmarket, Ont.

What employers need to look for are leadership specialties. The old model of trying to hammer everybody through the same mold isn’t effective anymore.

Her firm researched leaders in several companies and identified five categories.

1. Demand creation leaders: These are people who are good at selling the business, negotiating and closing deals. They are externally focused and goal oriented.

2. Solution creation leaders: These people are the highly creative bunch in the company. They generate most of the ideas for new products and processes. They’re often seen as the boat rockers, are persistent in bringing their programs to life and stimulate creativity in others.

3. Client service delivery leaders: These leaders build long-lasting relationships with clients, becoming the trusted advisors to clients.

4. Integration leaders: They build individuals and teams. They’re good at helping others, listening and understanding people’s problems and ideas. They act as the glue, holding a group together.

5. Enterprise leaders: These people are good at decision-making, have a global mindset, are future oriented and aren’t afraid to take risks. They’re the big picture thinkers and are able to get the team excited.

For more information visit www.jacksonleadership.com.

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