Twenty-seven percent of CEOs say their top succession concern is identifying what leadership qualities are necessary for the future, according to a biannual survey from RHR International, a global executive talent development firm.

Other primary concerns include relinquishing the power and prestige that comes with the executive position at 25 percent, creating a legacy at 19 percent, developing a fulfilling life after leaving the position at 16 percent and miscommunicating with the board of directors about succession decisions at 13 percent.

"The top succession concern of CEOs reveals an important aspect of the executive mindset," says Dr. Thomas J. Saporito, RHR International chairman and CEO. "CEOs are less effective than they think at reading talent. Most importantly, CEOs struggle to combine this gauge of talent with an understanding of their organization's leadership requirements for the future. It is this combination of talent and fit that ultimately makes or breaks the succession process."