A recent Hogan Newsletter article, “So Your Boss Is a Jerk” reported that around 50% of us find our worst bosses to be arrogant, manipulative and/or passive aggressive.  Or in common parlance, they are what many of us might call a “jerk”.  Yet, these same characteristics are also seen as “leader-like” and many individuals who have these characteristics are promoted into leadership positions–and then they fail.  In fact, recent studies report that up to 50-82% of leaders fail.  What gives?  Are organizations really promoting that many jerks?

Before I go on, ask yourself what characteristics you value in a leader—in particular a CEO or senior leader.  Go on, I’ll wait while you write a few things down.

Did arrogant, manipulative, or passive aggressive make your list?  I’d be surprised if they did.  The Bailey Group has asked people for years what they “want” in a CEO/senior leader and they consistently list the following characteristics:  Great leaders listen, they are authentic, they really care, they make the tough calls, tell the truth, are intelligent and business savvy but don’t pretend to know everything.  Were any of those on your list?

And, do these describe you?  Most CEO’s I know would never describe themselves as “jerks”.  And, I don’t believe that 50—82% of the failed bosses out there really are jerks.  I believe they are imperfect human beings, like all of us.  Yet, if you look at these statistics, chances are your people could actually THINK you’re a jerk even if you aren’t!  BUT, if your people think you’re a jerk (even if you aren’t) you have a problem.  Unless YOU change something, opinions about you won’t change.

I believe people really do want leaders who are confident, competent, assertive, smart, and tough–but who also are humble and look to others for assistance.  People want someone who can be logical and analytical, yet understanding and empathic.  They want someone who coaches and develops them, provides positive feedback when they deserve it AND someone who will them the hard truth (respectfully) if they need it.   We all want leaders who listen and ask questions, yet be willing to decide in the absence of consensus.   I think most of us want leaders who are smart and bright, yet not act as if they are any smarter or better than the rest of us.  We want someone who when they make mistakes, owns up, admits it and apologizes but we sure don’t want them to screw up.   Yeah, I think we pretty much want our leaders to be nearly perfect human beings with impeccable character.

So, are you a jerk or just a normal, imperfect human being? If you don’t know, The Bailey Group can help you figure it out.