I often ask myself, “where are all the WOW leaders?” As a leader continually seeking to improve herself and expand her business skills, I’m always on the lookout for role models with exceptional records. I’ve certainly come across a few during my tenure, but sadly, it’s the DUD leaders I run into the most.

However, just as failure can be one of the best ways to learn to succeed, dealing with DUDs can help you become a better WOW. Exposure to a DUD’s negative leadership behaviors can inspire you to avoid falling into DUD behaviors.

WOW leaders are humble, gracious, and confident in their own abilities, and do not need to embellish their accomplishments or draw attention to their achievements. They are also secure and honest enough to admit when they make mistakes or fall short of expectations. DUDs, on the other hand, are consumed with their own success and reputations–they’re not just sore losers, they’re sore winners.

Here are four traits of a sore winner…

1. He takes all the credit. A DUD loves to win, but he’s not one to share. He’s quick to soak up the spotlight when the team comes through, and will often leave everyone else thankless in the shadows. Not only will the DUD take all the credit, but he’s stingy with acknowledging a job well done or thanking others for their help or contributions.
2. He gloats. You know the type–they brag about every move they make, even those that aren’t necessarily praise-worthy. When it comes to a genuine success, he’ll milk it relentlessly, constantly describing, repeating, and patting himself on the back for his achievements. Simply put, he’s a shameless, narcissistic gloater.
3. He disses the “losers”. Friendly inter-office competition between teams or departments can be a healthy, motivating tactic–as long as the primary emphasis remains focused on everyone collectively winning. DUD leaders do not support, help, or reinforce anyone else’s success, even those playing for the same team. Since his own win is the only one that matters, he’s quick to smack-talk, gossip, and berate those he views as weaker or those who may be accomplishing less than him or his team.
4. He’s never satisfied. There’s no pleasing a DUD leader. Even when goals are met, and the “win” has been achieved, he’ll find fault in some way. He’s never satisfied with the level of accomplishment, and rather than praise the team for its efforts, he’ll quickly point out mistakes, shortcomings, or ways to do even better next time.

Be careful not to fall into the category of DUD. In business, as in life, there’s nothing worse than a sore loser–except maybe for a sore winner!

–Sheri Staak