Overachieving leaders: when an “A” is not good enough
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the negative consequences of excessive overachieving behavior on leaders, their peers, their subordinates and the organization. Readers will learn to recognize overachiever behaviors and develop the skills to channel that behavior more effectively.
Design/methodology/approach
Illustrate the consequences of overachievers through research and real‐word examples and offer practical suggestions that overachievers can utilize to maximize their potential for success.
Findings
When organizations learn to recognize when overachieving behaviors are strengths and when they become an Achilles heel, organizations create healthier environments, which allow a greater number of employees to succeed in achieving organizational goals.
Practical implications
Our society is producing more overachievers than ever before which conflicts with the changing business environment that requires more innovation and collaboration for better decision making.
Originality/value
Overachievers are a tremendous asset to an organization when, and only when, the dark side of overachieving behavior is recognized, understood and managed appropriately.
Keywords
Citation
Kaufman, B. (2012), "Overachieving leaders: when an “A” is not good enough", Business Strategy Series, Vol. 13 No. 2, pp. 70-74. https://doi.org/10.1108/17515631211220896
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2012, Emerald Group Publishing Limited