In leadership, individuals tend to excel in one of two areas: laying the tracks or running the trains.
Those who lay the tracks are the visionaries. They bring new ideas to life, start businesses, and create markets. They possess a unique ability to imagine what could be, without being constrained by the current reality.
On the other hand, those who run the trains are the implementers. They excel at organisation, planning, and execution. These individuals can foresee the steps necessary to achieve a goal and are adept at managing teams to reach a destination.
Most CEOs, especially first-timers, face the challenge of feeling they need to excel at both. While some rare individuals may possess both skill sets, most find that they have a natural affinity for one over the other.
The key is to recognise which type you are and to build a team that complements your strengths. A visionary leader will benefit from partnering with someone skilled in execution, and vice versa. Understanding this can be the difference between a company that has great ideas but no follow-through, and one that can dream big and make those dreams a reality.
So, think about which one you are. Are you a track-layer or a train-runner? Building your team with this awareness can lead to a powerful and balanced leadership dynamic.