This profile represents interests associated with both a high need for creativity and, at the same time, interests in abstract and conceptual approaches to business situations. Individuals with high Theory Development and Conceptual Thinking scores enjoy theory, both for its own sake and for its ability to bring new perspectives to businesses, markets and whole economies. Theory Development and Conceptual Thinking is the most academic of the business core function scales and people with high scores on this scale typically enjoy reading, academic pursuits and the classroom environment. It is not unusual for high scorers on this scale to consider doctorate level education and academic or consulting careers in business, economics or organizational behavior. Even outside of the academic environment, intellectual challenge is the cardinal requirement for work satisfaction for those with high or very high scores on this scale. High scorers are often attracted to those business roles that require idea generation as the primary task. Examples of these roles include management consulting (particularly strategy consulting), strategic planning, strategic marketing, business development, new product development, economic and policy consulting, political strategy, management in higher education, and management in public agencies (preferably at levels where policy is developed).

When Creative Production is in the High or Very High range, there is likely to be a strong preference for work roles where the primary task is to create something that does not yet exist, such as a new product design, a new service delivery model, new packaging for a product, new advertising copy, or a new marketing strategy. People with Creative Production in the Very High range often enjoy the early phase of business projects the most, when idea generation and original problem solving are the core requirement for success. They often become less interested once a new business process has been established and the criterion for success shifts to becoming an effective day-to-day manager of a proven process. It is not unusual for individuals with Very High Creative Production scores to have career paths with a higher than usual number of job changes (either moving from company to company or from job to job within a company): the pursuit of situations demanding creativity is their primary career motivator. This search for creative opportunity should not be interpreted as a "problem with commitment," although individuals with this profile may be vulnerable to a misunderstanding concerning their more frequent job changes.

The combination of Theory Development and Conceptual Thinking and Creative Production is the profile par excellence for idea generation and creativity in the realm of new business theories, plans, and products or services. Strategic planning, strategic marketing, strategy consulting, new product development, research and development, and academic business or economic research are examples of areas that would call on the interests and enthusiasms of individuals with this profile.

When interpreting this profile, it is helpful to consider the elevation on the Managing People and Relationships business core function scale. If Managing People and Relationships is in the High range, it is more likely that the characteristics described above will be best realized in a management or general management role. If Managing People and Relationships is in the low range omit, it is more likely that these interests will be expressed either in a professional services role, an academic role or in a role that is entrepreneurial with a focus on strategy, marketing, new product development or business development rather than day-to-day management of operations.

Although people with this Personal High profile enjoy careers in a range of industries and functions, there are a number of industries or functions that have a high degree of association with this profile because of business activities that are typically salient in those areas. In the paragraphs below, we will discuss the function or industry areas that have a strong association with this profile for which CareerLeader™ provides CareerLeader™ Profiles. We suggest that you study these CareerLeader™ Profiles in detail. They will give you an overview of the interest patterns, work reward values and business abilities that are associated with career satisfaction in the careers discussed. We do not mean to suggest that this is an exhaustive list of careers that you should consider, nor that you will automatically find satisfaction with these careers. They are, rather, good starting points in your survey of career directions that offer potential for career satisfaction and success.

The Personal High combination of Theory Development and Conceptual Thinking and Creative Production is associated with career paths where the development of concepts and strategic analysis is combined with creativity in terms of new products or services, new approaches to business strategy, the identification of new business opportunities or new business theory. CareerLeader™ Profiles at the top of the list of good matches with this profile include Management Consulting and Strategic Planning (note: this profile not available with the Tour). Marketing and Marketing Management (note: this profile not available with the Tour) may also be a positive match, if Enterprise Control and/or Influence Through Language and Ideas are in the High or Very High range. Similarly, General Management (note: this profile not available with the Tour) also has potential, if two or more of the Enterprise Control, Managing People and Relationships or Influence Through Language and Ideas scales are also elevated. If you have a High or Very High range score in Application of Technology, and your Managing People and Relationships score is above average, you should review the Research and Development Management (note: this profile not available with the Tour) profile as well. If you have an elevated Quantitative Analysis score, the Private Equity Investment (note: this profile not available with the Tour) profile merits study. Advertising and Communications/Public Relations (note: this profile not available with the Tour) also have potential but in both of these areas it is more likely that the Creative Production score will be dominant.

As with all profiles, it is important to consider the effect of the other business core function scales and in particular those other scales that are also either "Personal Highs" or in the High to Very Range. Below are some points to keep in mind if you have, in addition to a Personal High score on Theory Development and Conceptual Thinking and Creative Production, either a Personal High or a High/Very High range score on one of the following business core function scales. Pay particular attention to these points if you have a Personal High interest on that scale:

• Application of Technology: A Personal High or High range score on this scale along with Personal Highs on Theory Development and Conceptual Thinking and Creative Production is a profile that combines interests in creativity, strategic thinking and technology. It is a profile that suggests roles that allow for innovation at the "cutting edge" of technology applications. It is a profile par excellence for the new product development function in the field of high technology (broadly defined). This combination may be found among information systems consultants, chief technical officers, chief knowledge officers, and research and development managers. It also has potential for a good match with certain academic roles.

• Quantitative Analysis: A Personal High or High range score on this scale along with Personal Highs on Theory Development and Conceptual Thinking and Creative Production suggests roles in environments where idea generation in the realm of finance (or some other analytically-driven arena) is the major focus. Some examples would be roles in new product development in investment banking, commercial banking, and investment management as well as roles in strategic planning and strategic marketing in these and similar environments. Consulting, particularly strategy consulting, also offers the potential for a positive match with this profile.

• Counseling and Mentoring: A Personal High or High range score on this scale along with Personal Highs on Theory Development and Conceptual Thinking and Creative Production suggests management or strategic planning roles in new product and service development areas in environments where idea generation is the major focus. Examples of these roles include management consulting (particularly strategy consulting), strategic planning, strategic marketing, business development, new product development, economic and policy consulting, political strategy, management in higher education and in public agencies (preferably at levels where policy is developed). Someone with this profile might be found working in a consulting practice area or internal human resource group charged with developing new approaches to team design, training, compensation or succession planning. People with high Counseling and Mentoring scores are likely to have altruistic motivations and be attracted to organizations whose product or service has high social value (for example: health care, higher education, educational products or services, or environmentally-conscious products or services). Individuals with this profile are also more likely than most business professionals to consider a career in not-for-profit settings at some point in their career. When evaluating a job offer, it is particularly important for those with this profile to perform a thorough analysis of the hiring organization's culture. The values and interests of fellow workers, the valuing of teamwork, the availability of regular recognition for contributions, a concern with training and career development, and an organizational mission that includes the organization's commitment to integrity and products or services of high value will be important. Elevation on Counseling and Mentoring may also indicate a personal style that places an emphasis on individual relationships, both as an important source of personal satisfaction and as a means of accomplishing business goals, rather than a profile that is fundamentally different from the basic Theory Development and Conceptual Thinking and Creative Production profile.

• Managing People and Relationships: A Personal High or High range score on this scale along with Personal Highs on Theory Development and Conceptual Thinking and Creative Production suggests management roles in environments where creativity and idea generation are central to the success of the business endeavor. Some examples would be management roles in: consulting (particularly policy, change management, and general organizational development consulting), strategic planning, strategic marketing, business development, higher education and public policy. Individuals with this profile want to "be in charge," but be in charge as managers rather than as individual contributor professionals working on a project or deal. Individuals with this profile enjoy the role of leader, manager or supervisor and find challenge and enjoyment in the daily tasks required to realize a business plan through motivating and directing the activities of others. They do not see the daily "people" issues of line management as annoying or uninteresting, but rather as a creative opportunity to add value through interpersonal effectiveness.

• Enterprise Control: A Personal High or High range score on this scale along with Personal Highs on Theory Development and Conceptual Thinking and Creative Production suggests careers directed toward leadership and general management in environments where creativity and idea-generation are the essence of an organization's products and services. Examples would include management and general management roles in management consulting (particularly strategy consulting), strategic planning, strategic marketing, business development, new product development, economic and policy consulting, political strategy, management in higher education and in public agencies (preferably at levels where policy is developed).

• Influence Through Language and Ideas: A Personal High or High range score on this scale along with Personal Highs on Theory Development and Conceptual Thinking and Creative Production suggests management in "idea oriented" environments with a style that leverages strong communication and political skills. Positions that regularly call for the presentation of ideas and extending influence within an organization to achieve success are likely to be attractive to individuals with this profile. Individuals with this profile are likely to adapt to and enjoy working in matrix organizations and in roles such as product or project manager that require getting "buy-in" from others over whom one does not have direct authority. This profile is suggestive of a positive match with communications-oriented industries such as advertising, public relations, media, and entertainment. In later career stages, this is a good profile for the "inspirational" leader who enjoys motivating an organization through effective written and spoken communication of the organizational mission. This is also a profile that offers good potential for a match with positions in teaching, public policy, public affairs and, if Enterprise Control is at least in the average range, politics.