We’ve often shared why it’s so important to know our strengths—and the risks of overusing them. But what happens when one strength domain is more dominant in someone holding a leadership role? Are there strength areas that make a person more suited to leadership? Or does it all come down to how consciously we adapt our strengths to the tasks of leadership?
Here’s how our coaches see it.
The Executing Leader
When we picture a leader with dominant strengths in the Executing domain, we think of someone proactive, driven, and more comfortable in the practical than in the theoretical. In a leadership role, this can translate into a strong focus on efficiency, results, and forward momentum—keeping both the team and the project moving.
The risk? They may overlook important details, which is why it’s essential to have team members who can catch those finer points. Their projected sense of urgency doesn’t always match their actual work pace—strengths like Deliberative and Responsibility often bring a more measured, thoughtful approach.
When tasks are distributed wisely, this dynamic works beautifully: the Executing Leader keeps processes on track while the team cycles smoothly through input, processing, and analysis.
The Strategic Thinking Leader
The Influencing Leader
The Relationship Building Leader
Working under a Relationship Building leader usually feels positive and connected. They create a people-centred environment where trust grows and collaboration feels natural.
They unite the team, making space for everyone’s strengths to shine. However, they also need to balance empathy with objectivity—especially if a team member’s behaviour affects quality. Here, more pragmatic colleagues can help ensure that team well-being and performance stay aligned.
While some qualities can make leadership easier, there’s no single “perfect” profile. When we know our own strengths, we better understand what kind of leader we are—and what kind of team we need to thrive together. If you’d like to explore your leadership style through the lens of CliftonStrengths® and see how it shapes your team’s success, let’s map it out together.