When Leadership Strengths Go Too Far
Most leaders who derail are not lacking intelligence, experience, or skill. They fail because the very traits that earned them promotions begin working against them.
This insight is central to a landmark leadership study* by Robert Hogan and Joyce Hogan, published in the International Journal of Selection and Assessment. Their research redefined leadership failure by introducing what they call the dark side of personality. In my new book, Personality Intelligence, I refer to it as the Red Zone.
The Hogans analyzed years of executive assessments and leadership data. Instead of focusing solely on capability, they identified tendencies that lead to derailment. They discovered that the behaviors that helped leaders succeed early in their careers are often the same behaviors that cause problems later on.
When Strengths Tip into the Red Zone
Each style has its own distinct set of Red Zone behaviors, including:
🦅 The Eagle Red Zone
Eagles lead with confidence, decisiveness, and action. Under pressure, their decisiveness can turn controlling. Confidence may diminish humility. Speed often overrides listening.
🦜 The Parrot Red Zone
Parrots bring optimism, energy, and connection. In the Red Zone, their enthusiasm can outpace follow-through. Focus becomes scattered. Attention shifts inward.
🕊 The Dove Red Zone
Doves value harmony, empathy, and stability. Under stress, their pursuit of harmony can lead to avoidance. Decisions stall, and progress slows to maintain comfort.
🦉 The Owl Red Zone
Owls lead with analysis, structure, and precision. In the Red Zone, thinking replaces action. Attention to detail can overshadow momentum, and flexibility fades.
Each style starts as a strength. Each becomes problematic when unchecked.
Why Personality Intelligence Matters
The four A’s of Personality Intelligence provide leaders with four essential capabilities.
- Awareness of your strengths and recognizing when behavior shifts out of balance.
- Acceptance of your style and that of others.
- Adaptability to respond differently under pressure.
- Authenticity in displaying the appropriate style at the right time.
This work is not about fixing leaders. It is about helping capable leaders stay effective when conditions get hard.
The traits that elevate you can also constrain you. Effective leadership involves knowing when to let your strengths shine and when to tone them down.
* Hogan, R., & Hogan, J. (2001). “Assessing Leadership: A View from the Dark Side” (International Journal of Selection and Assessment).
About the Author
Merrick Rosenberg is the author of Personality Intelligence: Master the Art of Being You, The Chameleon, and many other books for adults, students, and kids. He is the creator of the Eagle, Parrot, Dove, and Owl personality approach. As an award-winning speaker and President of Take Flight Learning, Merrick teaches people how to understand themselves and others through the lens of personality, because when you know your style, you unlock your path.
