Back to Why Smart Executives Fail: Common Mistakes & Warning Signs
Dartmouth College

Why Smart Executives Fail: Common Mistakes & Warning Signs

We don’t often talk about mistakes and failures, but there’s so much to learn from what goes wrong. In this course, Professor Sydney Finkelstein will teach you why leaders make mistakes, and what you can do to avoid making those same mistakes yourself. Using real-life examples of smart executives who failed, Professor Finkelstein will walk you through scenarios that prepare you to understand, manage, and even take advantage of the continuous change that is inevitable in organizations and in life.

Status: Leadership Development
Status: Accountability
BeginnerCourse17 hours

Featured reviews

OV

5.0Reviewed Oct 13, 2023

The course is awakening and opens up thoughts on leadership and management. Prof. Finkelstein is so amazing and they way of delivery of concepts will make you to learn more. Dont miss this leaders!!!

NB

5.0Reviewed Apr 23, 2022

Sydney was great at painting the complete picture and engaging. I enjoyed every module of this course and learned a lot.

CH

5.0Reviewed Feb 9, 2024

Excellent course. Learning lessons from others' mistakes is an interesting method but really makes sense when you go through this first section of the entire course.

MM

5.0Reviewed Jan 4, 2024

Truly amazing course with lots of good examples and explanation. It really opens eyes for important factors. Recommended for all - not only leaders. I look forward for next course already.

LK

5.0Reviewed May 31, 2023

Such a great course! The professor, Dr. Finkelstein, presents the information in an incredibly clear and practical manner.

GL

5.0Reviewed Nov 21, 2023

So helpful and practical! Eye opening cases to reveal common pitfalls we are all prone to make. Excellent videos presentations and case studeies.

MC

5.0Reviewed Dec 23, 2023

Powerful! Using Coursera's "Coach" AI to add in some extended histories, like those of Schwinn, etc., further amplified the important concepts expressed by this excellent instructor. Thank you!

AJ

5.0Reviewed May 7, 2022

E​xceptional prof presenting this specialization. The quality of the material and the level of engagement are top class. Will petition Coursera for Sydney Finkelstein to be a regular contributor.

NA

5.0Reviewed Dec 1, 2022

I have learned a lot regarding the need of feedback and how to learn from other people mistakes, the 7 bad habits to avoid are inspirating

JT

5.0Reviewed Nov 2, 2022

Great case studies to help you understand the material. Gives a holistic view as to the traps you need to avoid and how some very successful people fall victim to them. Good eye opener.

MP

5.0Reviewed May 28, 2023

Great insight on Thinking about good strategies, culture and feedback, company breakdowns, and habits and behaviors of managers.

VS

5.0Reviewed Dec 15, 2023

An amazing course that highlights core aspects of business that most of us ignore as we become complacent and lead the business to its downfall.

All reviews

Showing: 20 of 115

Jennifer Reichart
5.0
Reviewed Apr 23, 2022
Alim Jinnah
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Reviewed May 8, 2022
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Reviewed Jul 25, 2022
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Reviewed May 19, 2022
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Reviewed Sep 12, 2024
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Reviewed Jun 6, 2023
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Reviewed Oct 16, 2022
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Reviewed Jan 25, 2023
Kanisha Fells
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Michael Patrick
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Reviewed Feb 14, 2023
Sandra Dsouza
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Reviewed Oct 10, 2022
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Reviewed Dec 12, 2022