Individuals scoring high on both Inquisitive (HPI) and Aesthetics (MVPI) are classified as Thought Leaders. The Thought Leader prefers to take a strategic and visionary approach to leadership that centers on creative problem-solving and innovation. While others may appreciate their innovative approach and openness to new ideas, the Thought Leader may also appear distractible or lacking the focus to follow through with implementation. Furthermore, the Thought Leader may focus too heavily on the look and feel of products over the function and may neglect practical considerations when solving problems.
When coaching this individual, it will be important to help them understand how they communicate their ideas to others and recognise that stimulating and visionary ideas may be hard for others to understand. They will need to properly articulate their ideas and solutions to others, and ensure that they have a sound rationale to back up their ideas. Encourage the Thought Leader to Start asking colleagues for feedback on their ideas and how well they are communicating them to others. Have them identify a trusted colleague that they can practice “selling” their ideas to; have them consult this person before a meeting or presentation to ensure their ideas are practical and coherent, and that they are likely to gain the commitment and support of others. Urge them to seek feedback on their presentation style too, which may need to be adapted for the audience.
The Thought Leader is likely known for their novel approach to problem solving; others might even seek them out for their creative solutions. While they are often big-picture oriented and willing to embrace change, they may miss opportunities to introduce practical solutions or become bored with mundane but necessary day-to-day work activities. Help the Thought Leader understand that although innovation and creativity are important for success in leadership, some situations may call for a more practical, well-organised response. Keeping in mind that not every task requires a novel solution, help them identify a time when an innovative solution they devised failed. What was it about their idea that didn’t work? How could they temper their pie-in-the-sky thinking with a more streamlined approach going forward? Does an acceptable solution to the problem at hand already exist, or does a new one need to be devised? Encourage them to work with others during the problem-solving process to determine the applicability and implementation of their ideas. Consider which team members they could best leverage to execute their ideas, and help identify and articulate an implementation plan. This will also help them ensure that both short-term and long-term implications are considered.
As an ideas-oriented individual, the Thought Leader tends to be creative, innovative, and open-minded. These individuals are strategic problem-solvers who are motivated by opportunities to use innovation in their work. As a leader, they likely will encourage imaginative and innovative approaches to assignments. They should Continue to facilitate an environment in which creativity and innovation are valued and rewarded, bearing in mind that not all team members are as aesthetically or creatively inclined when it comes to problem-solving. While Thought Leaders tend to be more concerned with the appearance and quality of work products, encourage them to place equal time and importance on the content of their work. Ensure that those team members who tend to think more pragmatically are encouraged to share their ideas as well and lead implementation and execution of projects.
