Derailed: Five Lessons Learned from Catastrophic Failures of Leadership

Written for leaders, aspiring leaders, and anyone who makes a difference in the lives of others, Derailed, by Tim Irwin, PhD, examines how failures of character common to even the most capable individuals–including deficits in authenticity, humility, self-management, and courage–repeatedly lead to downfall. By profiling the collapse of CEOs Robert Nardelli (Home Depot), Carly Fiorina (HP), Durk Jager (Proctor and Gamble), Steven Heyer (Starwood Hotels), Frank Raines (Fannie Mae), and Dick Fuld (Lehman Brothers), the book shows readers how our failings become more dangerous as we take on greater leadership responsibilities, and how they can cause us to ignore glaring warning signs that might otherwise prevent catastrophe. We’re always astonished to hear when smart, respected individuals with glittering resumes and histories of successful leadership drive their career train dramatically off course. By asking what we can learn from those who have fallen, and how we can avoid our own failure, Derailed teaches us to stay on track. Often, derailment actually happens long before the crash. Learn the character qualities that are essential for successful leadership and how to cultivate them so that you can avoid derailing your own life and career.