In the June 2009 issue of the Harvard Business Review, Jack Zenger and Joseph Folkman explain that poor leadership can be hidden in good times, but in bad times, poor leadership is a recipe for disaster.

Zenger and Folkman analyzed data from 360º surveys from more than 450 Fortune 500 executives. Teasing out common characteristics of the 31 who were fired over the next three years as well as the least effective of the 11,000 leaders, here are the ten most common leadership shortcomings:

1. Lack of energy and enthusiasm.

2. Accept their own mediocre performance.

3. Lack clear vision and direction.

4. Have poor judgment.

5. Don't collaborate.

6. Don't walk the talk.

7. Resist new ideas.

8. Don't learn from mistakes.

9. Lack interpersonal skills.

10. Fail to develop others.

The real finding I thought was enlightening is how most of the ineffective leaders were unaware they exhibited these behaviors. In fact, those who were rated most negatively rated themselves substantially more positively. Go figure.

So here's an idea:  Ask your peers and direct reports to rate you from lowest to highest on these 10. See if you measure up.  Or down.

rb