More than just occupational differences, people who identify with these personalities are naturally suited for different authority positions. The distinct styles of management, their impact on people, and the way in which people work together creates unique results for a company.
The Hunter is the stereotypical aggressive sales rep who is best at bringing in new clients and/or creating a new business. The Farmer is perceived as being laid back when it comes to developing new clients, makes a good manager (not entrepreneur), but does a great job of cultivating relationships and new business with current clients.
HUNTER attributes include: “bag the big game,” take charge, vision, aggressive, prospector, competitive, “Always Be Closing,” pitcher, Entrepreneurial Individualistic FARMER characteristics are: “cultivate the relationship,” let things develop, reality, laid back, planner, collaborative, “So, what do you think?” catcher, Team Player
So, which is better? Or, a more accurate question would be is there a “better?” Most successful business owners are neither Hunters or Farmers… they’re FISHERMAN. The Fisherman is a model of both patience and well-timed aggressiveness that you need to land new clients and customers. The Fisherman also has the wisdom and respect to cultivate the “fishing beds” so as to always have a source of food (a.k.a. revenues).
Fishing requires some solid planning about where to go to find the fish, research about what the fish like to eat, and what lures might attract them to nibble. It requires patience while fish are nibbling and aggressiveness when its time to reel it in. It also takes the courage to throw some fish back in when it’s not right for either you or the fish.
About Wendi McGowan