Divergent Leadership Characteristics Are Now Preferred

I don't typically catch movie fever, but the trailers for Divergent had me hooked. I usually wait a few weeks for movie follow-ups via DVD, Netflix, or other alternatives to the theater, but I had to see the movie on the big screen. I'm now fully on board with the concepts and messages delivered. My test results would show that like Tris, one  of the main characters, I'm Divergent - a Divergent Leader. It's been tough keeping my secret over the years, but I pulled it off (a bit of movie humor). Now divergent leadership characteristics are preferred.

A Divergent Leader understands norms and standards, but always goes beyond them to create next level solutions. They are courageous and act in spite of fear to break down barriers wherever they find them. They challenge themselves and others to stretch and try new ways of being - always building new connections. Normal is a horrible concept to the Divergent Leader and boundaries don't stand a chance. They will certainly destroy any boundaries that don't serve the broadest possible vision or the highest possible virtues. Divergent Leaders are threatening to traditional leaders due to their disruptive tendencies.

Divergent Leadership Characteristics

• Have no finite limits
• Unable to follow a predefined script
• Differ from a set standard
• Depart from conventional ways of thinking
• Explore many possible solutions to problems
• Generate creative and innovative ideas
• Go the distance in thought and deed
• Do not conform to outdated expectations

Not only are divergent leadership characteristics preferred, they are required in the knowledge economy where market disruptions are a daily occurrence. Traditional leadership styles while containing solid traits will make failure a certainty in a fast-paced world where global equality is just around the corner. Previous competitive advantages for traditional leaders are disappearing at record speeds. Divergent Leaders can see around corners by way of facts, analytics, intuition, creativity, and innovation. They are not reckless, but they can be aggressive when pursuing the future. Their risk tolerance is high and they aren't afraid to face danger head on. The Divergent Leader delivers.

 

In the book, there were five factions based on human virtues:

• Abnegation (The Selfless) - like to make others happy; doesn't like to draw attention to oneself
• Amity (The Peaceful) - like art and music; wants everyone to get along 
• Candor (The Honest) - not easily offended; prefer to hear the truth even when painful
• Dauntless (The Brave) - fiercely independent; acts on what is right no matter how frightening it might be
• Erudite (The Intelligent) - enjoy learning new things; like to understand how things work; logical

These virtues are admirable separately. However, Divergent Leaders inherently embody all of them and more. They are brave, honest, selfless, peaceful, intelligent - and visionary. Have a bit of fun and take the Divergent Aptitude Test to examine your dominant faction traits.

Despite your test results, you always have the right to choose so choose well. What kind of leader are you?