Several decades ago, there was a thriving business. The leadership team included a hard-liner and a lovable visionary – an unlikely but highly effective duo. They led a corporation through a dip and into a massive upturn, the visionary focused on growth and the hard-liner focused on cost containment. This resulted in a healthy expansion that carried the company into its next and very prosperous era.

The fact is, the visionary was wise to choose a hard-liner. This helped to balance his vision and direct it toward well-supported growth. He knew his strengths…and his weaknesses. And he hired the hard-liner to do what he could not and should not do.

Contrast this approach to the way many leadership teams are formed. It is human nature to choose those who are most like you. The problem with this is you end up with a “yes” team when an occasional challenge could have saved the company.

When it comes to business, the strongest companies are very often led by opposites.

As a leader – of a company or a team – always look for the missing strengths. If you have a team of massively successful sales professionals, for example (those naturally gifted, outgoing, “people people”), be sure you have a supportive introvert in the mix to ensure the orders are followed through on and commitments are kept.

If you lead an IT company, you are likely surrounded by amazingly gifted C- and S-wired individuals – those who are highly analytical and systematic. Bringing in a D-wired leader will help the team cut through perfection and make quick decisions when projects need to move forward.

If you lead a non-profit organization, you are likely surrounded by helpful and supportive S-wired individuals, who are very giving and generous. You will want to be sure you have D-wired leadership out in front, leading the charge on fundraising, and I-wired individuals to connect with the community and generate ideas.

If you lead an advertising firm, you are likely surrounded by creatives. You will need D-wired leadership to channel the creativity well, and S-wired individuals to keep things in order.

It’s a matter of checks and balances. Introverts and extroverts. Thinkers and doers. Planners and executors.

How are the checks and balances on your team?

As the CEO of Strength Leader Development, Deb Ingino is a highly sought-after international executive mentor, coach, trainer and speaker. Deb is well versed in global business operations and helps business leaders and their teams to discover and leverage their strengths, so they can create highly collaborative teams that deliver great results. With a refreshingly direct style, Deb helps leaders and their teams to deliver profitable results. Connect with Deb to learn more about her mentorship and coaching programs to equip you with advanced strategies to elevate your results.