Why CEOs Fail

CEOs are generally bright, savvy individuals with experience and a good record of success. CEO failures occur, not because of insufficient intelligence, but because leaders often act in illogical, irrational ways, usually unconsciously. The authors pose a vexing question. “Why do such obviously talented leaders also make poor decisions, alienate key people, miss opportunities, and overlook obvious trends and developments?”

Why CEOs Fail is based on Dotlich and Cairo’s experience working with corporate leaders and on the research of psychologist Robert Hogan, who first identified the behaviors which most often lead to leadership failure. In the book, the authors define and describe each of the 11 potential derailers, provide examples of leaders with these behaviors, and then offer suggestions to help in recognizing and managing these behaviors in order to avoid failure.