Question

There have been several studies of managers who fail (derailers) and managers who succeed in climbing the organizational hierarchy (arrivers). Which of the following statements describes one of the facts learned from these studies?

A. Arrivers often lack interpersonal skills.
B. Derailers tend to have well-developed technical skills.
C. Arrivers are usually resistant to change.
D. Derailers often fail due to a lack of technical knowledge.

Answer 1

Studies on managerial success have shown that managers who fail, often known as derailers, tend to have weaker interpersonal skills rather than a lack of technical knowledge.

Step-by-step explanation:

Studies on management success reveal important distinctions between successful managers (arrivers) and those who fail or derail. A key fact learned from such studies is that derailers often fail due to interpersonal deficiencies, rather than a lack of technical knowledge.

Contrary to derailers, arrivers tend to possess strong interpersonal skills and the ability to foster positive relationships, handle the complexities of management roles, and navigate organizational politics effectively. Importantly, one misconception is that a manager's technical skills alone determine their career trajectory.

However, emotional intelligence, adaptability, and communication are frequently the distinguishing factors between arrivers and derailers. This insight is essential for both current and aspiring managers, highlighting the need for balance between technical expertise and soft skills.