5 - The Detached Observer

Style 5s tend to lead by remote control. They are more likely to retreat to the comfort of their inner sanctum in order to come up with innovative solutions, and decide and announce rather than engage and involve. Leading with their expertise and inspiring through their innovative ideas and intellect is the Detached Observers’ hallmark. Style 5s conserve their energy and are protective of their time and space. They want to be left alone with their ideas to "figure things out." Detached Observer leaders like to engage people's minds. They are not known for having an either relational or empathic approach. Style 5s are more likely to set themselves up as advisors, gurus, or the go-to person for their expertise. They are apt to tell you what they know rather than who they are. Style 5s have a very few trusted intimates and tend to be quite private. Detached Observers’ style can be a bit cold, impersonal, and intellectually arrogant. While they may feel insecure inside, to others they can appear intimidating, which serves to keep people at a distance. Style 5s inspire because of their ability to innovate and to problem-solve, their expertise, their in-depth subject matter knowledge, and their ability to foresee and envision. They are gifted with an ability to stand back and see situations from an objective distance. Many take significant risks in order to bring their ideas to fruition.