These are often manufacturing and technical experts who have the ability to visualize more efficient ways of doing things that yield both cost and customer advantages. Fedex'sSmith is a classic example. Financial differentiators enable the company to use its financial clout to create a difference. Jack Welch has demonstrated this ability. Lest we forget, leaders are people.
People have different talents and skills as well as different tolerances for risk and ambiguity.
Some are good at marketing and sales, others at creating and innovating products and services. Some can make things, and still others are good scored keepers and financial analysts. If the leader doesn't have the ability, commitment and motivation to implement the strategic differentiator and gain the long term advantage, then a new leader must be assigned or the strategy changed to fit their talents and abilities. In most companies, a mis-match of talents and strategic needs equals failure for the leader, the company and even society. It plans to out market and outsell its competitors, which is a typical strategy in highly aggressive and dynamic markets.