More inspiring business leaders needed

Research published by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Industry and  Chartered Management Institute (ICMI), reveals key areas where managers want to see more from their business leaders.

The report entitled ‘Inspired Leadership’ shows that 79 per cent of respondents would like to see more of a shared vision in the workplace.

Also 77 per cent would like to see more confidence and trust instilled in teams while 73 per would like to see more respect for employees, colleagues and customers.

Worryingly, only one in ten respondents have witnessed the ability to inspire a workforce from their business leaders,

Nigel Crouch, a senior industrialist within the DTI, said: “Ultimately people are still looking for something different and better in organisational leadership.

“Companies must develop and learn from best practice approaches to management and leadership to keep employees motivated and committed by creating organisational cultures that foster not only performance, but also a sense of pride and fun.”

The results are not all bad news for business leaders, with examples of bosses making an effort to inspire employees. Examples include informal ‘listening lunches’ between bosses and staff and personnel 'thank you’s' for good performance.

Mary Chapman, chief executive of the Chartered Management Institute said, “It is the relationship between people that result in actions. The research demonstrates that employees respond to leaders who let them know that what they do is important and that it makes a difference.

“Leaders who can show trust, respect and appreciation are more likely to keep employees motivated and if they can achieve that much, performance levels are also likely to increase.”