Do you know which type of entrepreneur you are?

It takes two entrepreneurs to build an organization and they have dramatically different roles.

Are you the Visionary, the dreamer who conjures audacious ideas and sees a world of possibilities? Or are you the Integrator, the ace executor who thrives on making things happen seamlessly?

In his book Rocket Fuel, Gino Wickman reveals the dynamic duo propelling businesses forward. The key to success is knowing what role you play. Let's dive in.

THE VISIONARY

You set the course

Visionaries are the idea generators. They dream, innovate, and explore uncharted territories. Their passion fuels the company's aspirations, keeping the fire burning. Their helicopter view of the future sets the grand course.

Strenghts

• Innovation: Visionaries are the wellspring of creative ideas, innovation, and big-picture thinking.

• Inspiration: They motivate and inspire the team with their grand vision for the future.

• Risk-taking: Visionaries embrace calculated risks, often leading to breakthroughs.

• Adaptability: They easily adapt to change and navigate uncharted waters.

Weaknesses

• Impulsivity: They may need more time to understand the practical implications fully.

• Lack of detail: Visionaries might need to pay more attention to the finer details of execution.

• Distraction: They can become easily distracted by new ideas and lose focus.

Opportunities

• Strategic leadership: Visionaries are well-suited for leading the company's strategic direction.

• Innovation center: They can drive product or service innovation.

• Mentorship: Visionaries make excellent mentors to nurture creativity in the team.

Threats

• Failure to execute: Overemphasis on vision may lead to poor execution.

• Conflict: Visionaries can clash with integrators over the execution of ideas.

• Burnout: The constant pursuit of new ideas can lead to burnout.

THE INTEGRATOR

You ensure the journey is smooth

Integrators are the masterminds of execution. They take those visionary dreams and translate them into reality. Their knack for organization, structure, and problem-solving ensures smooth operations.

Strenghts

• Organization: Integrators excel at establishing structure and processes.

• Execution: They are masters at turning vision into action.

• Problem-solving: Integrators tackle challenges systematically and effectively.

• Consistency: They ensure day-to-day operations run smoothly.

Weaknesses

• Lack of innovation: Integrators may need help generating new, groundbreaking ideas.

• Resistance to change: They prefer stability and may resist abrupt shifts.

• Risk-aversion: Integrators tend to avoid high-risk decisions.

Opportunities

• Operational excellence: Integrators are the backbone of efficient, day-to-day operations.

• Team management: They make excellent team leaders, ensuring tasks are accomplished.

• Continuous improvement: Integrators can drive optimization and efficiency.

Threats

• Stifling creativity: An overreliance on integrators can stifle innovation.

• Lack of adaptation: They may struggle to adapt to rapidly changing industries.

• Conflict: Integrators can clash with visionaries when their practicality hampers creative ideas.

Why identifying your type matters

1. Maximizing strengths

Knowing your entrepreneurial type allows you to capitalize on your strengths. Visionaries can leverage their creative thinking and forward vision, while Integrators can channel their organizational and problem-solving prowess.

2. Efficient decision-making

Recognizing your role streamlines decision-making. Visionaries excel in setting strategic direction, and Integrators shine in implementing those strategies effectively.

3. Mitigating weaknesses

Identifying your type also highlights your weaknesses. A Visionary needs help with the nitty-gritty details of execution, while an Integrator finds it challenging to initiate groundbreaking ideas.

4. Achieving balance

There's a harmonious blend of both types in successful organizations. Keeping this balance ensures that innovative ideas are translated efficiently and are not lost in translation.

The entrepreneurial tug of war: Visionaries and Integrators are Yin and Yang

What happens when a Visionary or an Integrator works alone or, conversely, when the management team comprises two individuals of the same role?

Visionaries Flying Solo: When a visionary operates in isolation, the business resembles a ship adrift without a captain. Why? Visionaries are fantastic at generating groundbreaking ideas and painting a vivid future, but they might struggle with execution and day-to-day operations. The result can be unfulfilled potential, unimplemented strategies, and a lack of the critical structure that sustains growth.

Integrators going at it alone: On the flip side, an Integrator as the sole driving force might lead to a finely tuned but directionless machine. Integrators excel in organizing, implementing processes, and solving problems. Yet, without a Visionary's forward vision, they may lack the bold initiatives and innovative strategies that drive a business to new horizons.

Duplication dilemma - two Visionaries: If your management team comprises two Visionaries, it can sometimes feel like a ship with too many captains. While there's no shortage of brilliant ideas and grand visions, the potential chaos arises from lacking a dedicated executor. The result? Multiple fantastic concepts but a struggle to prioritize, focus, and execute effectively.

Duplication dilemma - two Integrators: Conversely, having two Integrators can lead to a harmonious but static business environment. With a relentless focus on processes, execution, and optimization, groundbreaking innovation might be absent. The business becomes highly efficient but may miss the opportunities from visionary thinking.

Discover your entrepreneurial type through Rocket Fuel University™ self-assessment, partner wisely, and watch your business soar to new heights.

Disclaimer: I'm not an EOS shareholder or implementer, just an advocate for professionalizing organizations.