Have you ever noticed a team member or leader demonstrating a particular behaviour that seems to stop everyone in their tracks? A derailer is a behavioural weakness that when properly addressed and mastered will help individuals maximize their leadership potential. According to the Decision wise team, derailers are easily recognized when they meet the following criteria-
1) The behaviour limits potential progress.
2) The behaviour is a talent or ability taken to the extreme.
3) The behaviour cannot be balanced or compensated for by other multiple strengths.
4) The behaviour focuses on and emphasizes weaknesses.
But all is not lost…you see, all behaviours have the potential to be changed or adjusted as required offering up new opportunities for learning, growth and on-going improvement. Decision Wise identified the following list of commonly observed “derailers” or “leadership behaviours” –
- Lacks Focus
- Demonstrated Selfishness
- Appears Disengaged
- Compromises Trust
- Micromanages
- Controlling
- Volatile
- Lacks Confidence
- Appears Unapproachable
- Arrogant
- Eager to please
- Perfectionist
- Complacent
To read more about derailers visit the following blog entries:
A Deeper Look at Leadership Derailers in the Talent Review Process by Patrick Hauenstein
