Bosses lack leadership skills, poll finds

A new poll of HR professionals has suggested that nearly all workers in the sector are concerned that their managers lack essential leadership skills and could benefit from some form of further training.

Research carried out by the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) found 94 per cent of those questioned felt their bosses need additional development, with the ability to motivate and emotional awareness considered most important.

"This leadership skills gap is holding UK businesses back," said ILM chief executive Penny de Valk. "We need to get better at developing these essential people leadership capabilities such as the ability to motivate."

She said the lack of faith among such a high proportion of HR employees is "a real concern" and suggested that past experience of failure is actually a useful quality for management executives to have.

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Bosses looking to improve relations with members of staff and boost morale should consider attending the Employee Wellbeing Forum 2010 later this month.

Posted by Cameron Thomson