How To Spot a Flawed CEO

Recently I served on the board of a company where the CEO was replaced.  On December 1, 2007, I came across this article published in the Wall Street Journal entitled Keys to Spotting a Flawed CEO – Before It’s Too Late.  The article is spot on and a great primer for those people trying to read the warning signals before it’s too late.  In short, some of the signs include:

1. An overt zeal for prestige, power and wealth. 
2. A reputation for shameless self-promotion.
3. A proclivity for developing grandiose strategies with little thought toward their implementation.
4. A fondness for rules and numbers that overshadows or ignores a broader vision.
5. A reputation for implementing major changes unilaterally or for forcing programs down the throats of reluctant managers.
6. An impulsive, flippant decision-making style. 
7. A penchant for inconsiderate acts.
8. A love of monologues coupled with poor listening skills.
9. A tendency to display contempt for the ideas of others.
10. A history of emphasizing activity, like hours worked or meetings attended, over accomplishment.
11. A career marked by numerous misunderstandings.
12. A superb ability to compartmentalize and/or rationalize. 

CEOs have to be consensus builders.  If there is mistrust between the CEO and his/her top management, these are warning signals.  Hypercritical CEOs will show few stellar accomplishments of their own. 

Take a look at this complete article and do a quick assessment of your CEO.