Strategists, The Young Samurai: Identifying Their Characteristics

The role of a strategist is one that has been under-represented in management research and literature. This paper investigates reasons for this lacunae and why it should be addressed. The paper explores the differences between leaders and strategists and presents a set of characteristics that strategists' possess. Importantly, the paper does not propose that the characteristics are traits or behaviours as these categorisations suggest a particular view of the subject that might be divisive at this stage. There is, however, consideration of whether the characteristics presented can be appropriated and even taught. The characteristics identified are principally derived from secondary research but also draws on primary research. The paper details the development of leadership theory and how that has informed the approach taken in this work. It is recognised that the approach adopted has some weaknesses, but it is hoped that this paper will at least engage the academic community and practitioners with this important subject and result in more detailed research and organisational activity.