One of the “fatal flaws” that causes people to have their careers hit a brick wall is the inability to learn from mistakes. The research is clear that learning from mistakes is a very productive tool for self-development. One category of negative...

Poor leadership in good times can be hidden, but poor leadership in bad times is a recipe for disaster. Everyone has weaknesses and "mild" ones typically don't "impact a leader's overall effectiveness." Our research has found that leaders who score in...

When we examined those leaders who were ranked high in both interpersonal skills and focus on results, this group was much more likely to be ranked as excellent leaders. With both areas of expertise, these individuals now had a 66% chance of being an...

If people have the general impression that a person is an extraordinary leader, they will overstate this person's skills and abilities. The key is to get the attribution process to work for you rather than against you.

Leaders with just one strength move from the 24th percentile to the 64th percentile, on average, Imagine, a 30% increase just for possessing one strength! This shows the powerful influence of being good at any one competency.

Most people believe that fixing weaknesses will have a more powerful impact on leadership effectiveness ratings than building strengths. Ultimately, however, this strategy is not the most helpful for getting leaders from good to great.

Career best experiences have three common characteristics. Firstly they tap into a leader's talents or competencies. Next they build on what leaders are passionate about. And lastly they inevitably add value to the organisation. The intersection is your...

The ability to lead organisational change is the fifth tent pole of extraordinary leadership. The best leaders inspire people to rally around a change, while poor leaders have to push, cajole, or even threaten employees to accept the change.

The fourth essential tent pole of leadership is interpersonal skills. Along with the central tent pole representing character, it probably holds the most canvas. This leadership skills has become more important over time, especially since the demise of...

Leadership is ultimately about producing results. This is the third leadership tent pole. Leaders can have talent and character, but unless they product sustained, impressive results for their organisation, they simply are not good leaders.