If we had to define executives in one word, that word would be "visionaries." Executives are people who have an uncanny ability to grasp and understand long-term goals and broad ideas... and to communicate them to others. They are dreamers whose creative and analytical attributes come together to hold an idea and see it through to realization. They are also the people who recruit others to support that vision.
You might have already picked out some characteristics from the DISC Model described in Chapter One that are necessary for executives to be truly successful.
- Inspiring
- Optimistic
- Enthusiastic
- Persuasive
- Team-oriented
- Verbal
These traits come from having a strong core behavioral style of Influence. However, there is more to an executive than Influence brings to the table. They must also possess the traits of:
- Aggressive
- Pioneering
- Goal-oriented
- Enterprising
- Problem-solver
These traits are ones that come when a person has a high ratio of Dominance in their style. Because executives need to love new challenges... because they need to face new projects and ideas with little or no fear, they must be aggressive and pioneering.
When you interview others for an executive position, be sure to look for those who demonstrate high Influence tendencies along with Dominance attributes.