The Strategist Within: Unveiling Your Leadership Style Through Five Archetypes
Have you ever considered the different ways people approach strategy? While some strategists are known for their visionary thinking and innovation, others excel at collaboration or maintaining stability.
Jeroen Kraaijenbrink's insightful work breaks down strategists into five distinct archetypes. This framework can help you identify your own leadership style and gain valuable insights into the styles of those you work with.
Unveiling Your Strategic Approach
1. The King Strategist: The Visionary Leader
Assertive and independent, King Strategists possess a clear vision for the organization's future. Their strength lies in strategic thinking and a forward-looking approach. They bring well-founded ideas to the table and are often spot-on in their assessments. However, their tendency to work independently can lead to a disconnect with the team, and their high expectations might cause frustration among team members.
2. The Servant Strategist: Building Consensus Through Collaboration
The Servant Strategist thrives on a participative approach. They value input from others and believe in building a shared strategy that fosters engagement and commitment. Their collaborative style creates a sense of ownership among team members. However, their reluctance to impose their own vision might be perceived as weakness or indecisiveness.
3. The Elder Strategist: A Pillar of Stability
With extensive experience within the organization, the Elder Strategist prioritizes continuity and may be cautious about embracing new ideas. Their strength lies in their deep understanding of the organization's history and core strengths. They focus on leveraging these strengths rather than chasing trends. However, their emphasis on tradition can make them defensive and blind to internal and external changes.
4. The Prince Strategist: Embracing Change and Innovation
The Prince Strategist thrives on change and innovation. They are a constant source of creative ideas and enthusiasm, always on the lookout for opportunities to transform the organization. Their talent lies in identifying new possibilities and motivating others to embrace them. However, their eagerness for change can lead to frequent shifts in strategy before existing strategies are fully implemented, resulting in a lack of follow-through.
5. The Joker Strategist: The Unintentional Leader
The Joker Strategist lacks a clear strategic direction and struggles with making decisions or taking action. They often prioritize humor and popularity over strategic thinking. While their shortcomings might seem like weaknesses, they can inadvertently create space for others to step up and take on strategic leadership roles. However, the absence of a clear strategy and ineffective execution can significantly hinder organizational progress.
Identifying Your Strategic Archetype
By reflecting on the strengths and weaknesses of each archetype, consider which one resonates most with your leadership style. Understanding your own strategic approach and those of your colleagues can foster better communication, collaboration, and ultimately, a more successful organization.
Credit: Jeroen Kraaijenbrink, Igor Buinevici
