My thoughts,(or does this sound to much as bragging) my experience exactly, complete with the encouragement of a mentor.

Very interesting question. Though it takes a lot of natural ability, I think that Princes(ses) of Execution learn and hone their craft. I think that there are more of them around than there are Master Visionaries.

Master Visionaries are visionary. They simply are that way. They see things and in ways that others do not. They inspire others to follow. They can learn, and can hone their skills, too. Often times they do not know that they are visionaries. Their natural drive can cause them to function as Princes(ses) of Execution. They then learn the skills that help them when they fully enter their role as a Master Visionary.

The transition, to me, takes place at the intersection of their vision, the appropriate resources and the right timing. It is often more of a revealing of what always was rather than a transformation.

Sometimes there is a realization by the Master Visionary about the vision. That can be spurred by a mentor, a friend, or a eureka moment. Then that individual takes steps to carry out the vision. Success makes the individual visible, and people can then recognize the individual as a Master Visionary.

If so what do you think it takes for that transformation to happen?

Great idea. Then the princes or princesses can be groomed to take more responsibility.

The visionary leader is responsible for developing his or her people. That should stop a struggle for succession.

Jack Welch did just that at GE. He picked people that could execute, groomed them, and succeeded. When they wanted more authority (his!) he helped them get good positions at other companies. Many of his princes and princesses are now CEOs at major companies.

My best bet to find a prince (or princes – they do exist you know, not only in fairy tales) is internal, in every department, from low to high. Which of your valued employees is always ‘getting-things-done’? He might be the frog, waiting to be kissed to turn into a real prince.

How does a company find princes of execution?

Without the right support our businesses go nowhere.

Good point. I quite agree. We need leaders and men of action. I was making the narrow point that without logistics, Grant’s army goes hungry and has no ammunition to fight with. Same result — they may as well have stayed home.