Chief executives of big banks have distinct personalities, though some are more, shall we say, outgoing than others. But each one has their own background, management style and odd little foibles.
Which one most closely mirrors you? Read through the profiles below, click your closest comparison and find out. Six work at US banks, four at EU banks. We’ll publish the results later in the week.
Profile no. 1:
You’re honest, bordering on blunt. You’re confident, bordering on arrogant. You’re not a BSer, and you don’t like being around them. One of your biggest pet peeves is when people are afraid to speak their mind.
You feel that leadership is a learned skill set, not an inherent trait. You firmly believe banking is a meritocracy. When the curtain drops at the end of the business day, many of your characteristics soften. Sometimes you say things you regret.
Profile no. 2:
Like another current banking boss, you’re the antithesis of the man you succeeded. You’ve been described as mild-mannered, analytical, soft-spoken and safe. You never raise your voice. A newspaper once noted that, even if you tried to sound scary, it wouldn’t quite work. Some see you as an outsider. Others see you as an insider. You prefer to communicate through the medium of managerial euphemisms embedded in PowerPoint presentations.
You like choral music, but have been known to pump yourself up with a few rock tunes.
Profile no. 3:
You grew up insecure but extremely driven. Banking wasn’t your first obsession, but it is now. You don’t waste your time with people who aren’t ambitious. You’re funny, but you often use humor to lighten moods or deflect questions. Charisma is one of your biggest strengths, but you’ve been accused of acting like a know-it-all. You care about your public image.
Profile no. 4:
You’ve moved up the ranks based more on work ethic than charisma. You’ve been accused of being boring. Data and details are your obsessions. You are humble enough to own up to poor decisions. Not only do you not say bigger is better, you actually believe it isn’t.
You’re not passive, but no one would accuse you of being aggressive either. Perhaps your biggest strength is in crisis and risk management.
Profile no. 5:
You’re meticulous, bordering on anal. Your known to be rather insular and you live an ascetic lifestyle. You’ve been called a “shy workaholic.” Colleagues often describe you, after a pause, as “your own man.” The media can’t figure out whether you like Dr. Pepper, Diet Coke or Diet Pepsi, but one appears a crutch. You exercise constantly, including running marathons. You’re understated. You drive a Prius.
Profile no. 6:
Compared to rivals, you’re considered polite, if not overly formal. You’re more of a strategizer than a motivator. You’ve been described as a “process man, not a salesman.” You speak in perfectly crafted sentences, like an analyst.
Your poker game epitomizes your strategy as a bank head. “You’re usually up a few bucks but never the big winner.” You rarely drive in the passing lane. You’re OK with that.
Profile no. 7:
You started from the very bottom and moved your way up. You’re charming, but in an old-fashioned way. You were once compared – positively – to a long-gone, small town department store owner. People trust you.
You never imagined yourself as a CEO, but you just kept working until you got there. You grew up humble, and you remain that way. You openly reject the glitter and glam of Wall Street.
Profile no. 8:
You have a quiet, workmanlike personality, but you’ve even been described as bland. You are the antithesis of the brash pre-crisis banker. You take a backseat publicly and try to avoid headlines at all costs. Your biggest strength may be your loyalty. Purposefully, your Wikipedia page would be about three sentences long.
Profile no. 9:
You’re a grey-hair, but you’ve worked in banking for less than half of your career. As such, your job is somewhat different than that of your competition. You once said you are “more comfortable with people than with figures.” You’re a hands-on boss, or maybe micro-manager, depending on whom you ask. You don’t like change, but you make plenty of them. Your ability to communicate with people is your strength as a leader.
Profile no. 10:
You’ve dedicated your entire life to banking, and, as such, you stand up for fellow bankers. Your biggest strength is your versatility and your love for your employer. You’re known as an affable team-builder capable of melding with different types of personalities. You love talking about the global economy. You dress impeccably. You exercise though you don’t really enjoy it.
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