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Candidates for CEO positions, according to a new survey, often play a personal game of tug-of-war: Nearly three of 10, 29%, score high marks for being pragmatic, and 21% are tops in being creative, but only 8% are good at both.
That's a key takeaway from a new report from management research firm Development Dimensions International, which analyzed 243 CEO finalists in 48 organizations.
Some of the results are predictable, such as the category titled “what CEO candidates do to excel.” For that, the report shows, they obsess over execution and results; use instincts to instantly and accurately size up complex business situations; and fixate on customer needs.
The areas candidates struggle in are more of a surprise: At least two of 10, 21%, for example, have difficulty establishing direction for an organization — a key CEO trait. Another 9% struggle with inspiring others, the report states.
The report found traits many executives possess, such as competitiveness, confidence and resiliency, are “even more pronounced among those preparing for a CEO position.” And on the flip side, the report adds, “most personality de-railers, such as arrogance or volatility, decline in prevalence” among CEO candidates.
The catch in that last finding: CEO candidates have higher rates of craving attention. “The top job,” the report states, “attracts those who enjoy being noticed for their talents and charm.”
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