The seven habits of spectacularly unsuccessful executives

From On Bear Stearns, the Democratic Primary, and Other Avoidable Disasters by Bill Taylor, I picked up The seven habits of spectacularly unsuccessful executives by Sydney Finkelstein (PDF). As Taylor says:

And please keep in mind Professor Finkelstein’s most basic conclusion: “Extreme success is a warning sign of failure.”

I examine these criteria in terms of Communist Parties.

Habit # 1: They see themselves and their companies as dominating their environment.

Warning Sign: A lack of respect

Not a problem currently in Australia.

Habit #2: They identify so completely with the company that there is no clear boundary between their personal interests and their corporation's interests.

Warning Sign: A question of character

Think of Tommy Sheridan and the SSP.

Habit #3: They think they have all the answers.

Warning Sign: A leader without followers.

Definitely a problem with most of the micro-parties in Australia.

Habit #4: They ruthlessly eliminate anyone who isn't completely behind them.

Warning Sign: Executive departures.

Stalinism running riot.

Habit #5: They are consummate spokespersons, obsessed with the company image.

Warning Sign: Blatant attention-seeking.

Not currently a problem.

Habit #6: They underestimate obstacles.

Warning Sign: Excessive hype.

We have the opposite problem currently.

Habit #7: They stubbornly rely on what worked for them in the past.

Warning Sign: Constantly referring to what worked in the past.

Will always be a problem for us.