Executive derailment: Three cases in point and how to prevent it

The high rate of executive derailment is cause for concern, especially as large numbers of less experienced individuals begin to move into executive roles vacated by retiring Baby Boomers. Research has identified the most prevalent causes of derailment, and company intervention—along with the individual's resolve to improve—can successfully put an otherwise talented executive or high potential back on track. The authors discuss the most common factors in the failure of CEOs, executives, and high potentials; examine three cases where companies implemented well‐designed plans to save a career in trouble; and provide recommendations to individuals and organizations alike for preventing promising careers from stalling out.