Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the distinction between true executives and pseudo-executives, highlighting that true executives manage upwards and take responsibility downwards, while pseudo-executives focus on pleasing superiors and avoiding accountability [1][10]. Characteristics of Pseudo-Executives - Pseudo-executives exhibit three main characteristics: 1. They focus solely on their superiors, avoiding responsibility and failing to prioritize customer needs [4][5]. 2. They consolidate power and control over their teams, often prioritizing personal gain over team success [6][7]. 3. They emphasize their efforts rather than actual results, often presenting themselves as busy without delivering value [8][9]. Characteristics of True Executives - True executives are defined by their ability to manage upwards and take responsibility downwards, which manifests in three key areas: 1. **External Focus**: They prioritize creating value and achieving results, understanding that resources and profits come from outside the organization [11][12]. 2. **Upward Management**: They align their work with the company's strategic goals and collaborate with superiors to secure necessary resources [13][14][15]. 3. **Internal Responsibility**: They are accountable for their team's performance and development, focusing on nurturing talent and maximizing potential [26][27][28]. Summary - The article concludes that true executives are characterized by their outward vision for value creation, upward vision for strategic alignment, and inward vision for team responsibility, encapsulated in the principle of managing upwards and taking responsibility downwards [29].

Group 1 - The article discusses the detrimental impact of five types of "pseudo-executives" on companies, highlighting that these individuals often fail to align with the current needs and challenges of the organization [1][4][12] - The changing business environment, particularly post-2025, necessitates a shift from traditional management styles to more adaptive and innovative approaches [7][8] - Pseudo-executives often rely on past experiences without effectively addressing current business challenges, leading to internal inefficiencies and missed opportunities [10][12] Group 2 - The first type of pseudo-executive is the "goal-driven type," who focuses solely on achieving targets without understanding the underlying business logic, which can lead to increased pressure on employees and high turnover rates [19][22][30] - The second type is the "upward management type," who excels in managing relationships with superiors but fails to address real business issues, creating an information vacuum [36][41][42] - The third type, the "team management type," can maintain stability but struggles to drive innovation or navigate challenging business environments [52][55][60] Group 3 - The "professional expert type" possesses strong technical skills but lacks a comprehensive understanding of the business context, often applying outdated frameworks without adapting to the new environment [63][66][70] - The final type, the "interpersonal attack type," is adept at building client relationships but lacks strategic thinking, which can jeopardize long-term business sustainability [80][82][90] - The article emphasizes the importance of aligning executive capabilities with the company's current strategic needs to avoid the pitfalls associated with these pseudo-executives [92][93][143]