An interesting article I read recently …. Development Dimensions International surveyed 944 human resources professionals on why internally promoted leaders failed. Here are the results for consideration:

• Poor people skills: 53%
• Personal qualities (style, attitude, habits): 53%
• Poor fit with company culture: 44%
• Couldn’t get results: 43%
• Don’t have the skills to do the job: 36%
• Poor strategic or visionary skills: 33%
• Poor motivational fit with the job: 27%
• Inadequate preparation: 22%
• Lack of experience (Not ready for the position): 21%
• Unrealistic expectations for the job: 18%
• Other: 7% 

For those who would like to be promoted, here is a checklist of ‘leadership potential’ indicators:

•  Motivation to lead: Has upward ambition, actively pursues leadership opportunities.
• Authenticity: Is genuine and true, has integrity, promotes trust and is confident.
• Brings out the best in people: Optimizes talent, inspires performance, unties others to common goals.
• Learning agility: Learns from mistakes, learns new information, is curious.
• Receptivity to feedback: Seeks and uses feedback, accepts criticism and is humble.
• Adaptability: Accepts change, adjusts quickly and balances many demands.
• Conceptual thinking: Thinks broadly, sees many perspectives and understands connections.
• Navigates ambiguity: Simplifies complex situations and sees in shades of grey.
• Cultural fit: Has personal style or qualities that fit with the company culture.
• Passion for results: Gets things done, overcomes problems and refuses to give up.