Are particular themes more suitable for managers?

No -- and yes. In our research, we have found thousands of great managers whose Signature Themes differ quite a bit. However, we've also found that many successful managers have similar Signature Themes. For example, many possess Developer in their top five, and this enables them to spot small increments of growth in their employees. Other Signature Themes common to managers include: Focus, the ability to distinguish between a short cut and a distraction; Individualization, the ability to identify and play to the uniqueness of each employee; Activator, an unrelenting drive to make a decision and act; Arranger, the ability to size up the elements of a situation and rearrange them in the most productive configuration; and Maximizer, the natural inclination to take people or endeavors from good to great.

However, if you don't find these themes in your top five, don't be discouraged. Some great managers possess Ideation among their Signature Themes, and therefore rely on the power of their ideas to inspire their employees. Others are exceptionally talented in Competition, and so lead by challenging their people to measure, compare, compete, and win. Still others rely on their Includer talents to make every employee feel that he or she is a valuable part of the team.

The bottom line is that the best managers reach the same destination: strong business results, engaged employees, and engaged customers. But they don't necessarily take the same route.