Introduction

Abstract

A significant number of studies done over 40 years suggest that there is a one in two chance that executives will fail in some significant way. According to Michael Watkins, author of First 90 Days, 64 per cent of new executives hired from outside will not succeed in their new jobs. Similarly the Corporate Leadership Council data suggest that 40 per cent of newly appointed executives will derail within the first 18 months. The demands on business leaders and senior managers have never been greater, nor have the costs of poor selection.