Big improvements in communication needed

Increasingly many organisations are recognising that managers, particularly those entering management for the first time, lack the necessary skills to effectively lead their teams. This can result in a reduction in the performance, motivation, and consequently the cost effectiveness of the team. Promotion to a management position can be an exciting but daunting prospect. Moving from the role of team player, to being responsible for its overall performance and the welfare and motivation of its individual members can be extremely challenging for an inexperienced manager.

In a recent survey of recruiters from companies with more than 50,000 employees, communication skills were cited as the single most important decisive factor in choosing managers. The survey, conducted by the University of Pittsburgh's Business School, points out that communication skills, including written and oral presentations, and the ability to work with others, are the main factors contributing to job success. A report from the Association of Graduate Recruiters says employers are having real problems finding graduates who can demonstrate team-working, cultural awareness, leadership and communication skills.

British businesses are being held back by managers who fail to get the best from their staff, according to the latest Workers' Index published by MORI and The Work Foundation. Almost a quarter of employees say that they are uninspired by their managers, and 27 per cent say that senior managers fail to provide them with a clear vision. David Coats, Associate Director responsible for Policy at The Work Foundation, said: "There are some hard messages here. Big improvements in communication are needed if employers are to unlock the full potential of their staff".

Employees are the company's greatest resource, yet how often do they find themselves working in the dark? The truth is that employees have an amazing range of skills, ideas, creativity and talent that often go unseen and therefore unharnessed by the organisation due to poor management standards.

It is widely recognised that successful communication skills and personal effectiveness are inextricably linked to business results. Effective Managers need to have the capacity to motivate and become a leader that others will want to follow.

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