Comment:Are leaders out of sight, out of mind?
Business leaders face competing priorities in a tough economic climate but must make the most of communication tools if they want to maintain a productive workforce.
A new survey from the People 1st Training Company and ICM reveals that almost a third (31%) of the working public surveyed feel that when their boss (defined as the leader of their company) is more visible the company performs better, and over a quarter (28%) feel better about their job and the company they work for if they see or hear from their boss. But 27% of workers never see their boss, this rises to almost half (43%) of workers in larger companies.
Sharon Glancy, director of the People 1st Training Company comments, “A difficult business environment means tough decisions for CEOs but connecting with staff is an important part of creating a strong and positive company culture. Being a visible leader is not about keeping tabs on staff but creating a strong vision for the company that all staff can be part of.”
Visible leadership will only become more important as younger workers and social media users value seeing or hearing from their boss more than older workers. A third (31%) of 18-24 year olds said that when they see or hear from their boss it makes them work harder, just 5% of 55-64 years olds felt the same. Thirty-five percent of those who use social media think that when their company’s boss is more visible to staff, the company performs better.
Sharon Glancy continues: “Online technology such as podcasts and webinars, as well as social media channels offer a variety of ways for leaders to stay in touch with staff that can be light touch but effective.
“With such a clear link to performance, visibility is a key element to successful leadership. Companies must ensure their training programmes support leaders – and those earmarked with leadership potential – to achieve greater agility. Today it’s a necessity to maintain productivity while also improving communication and strengthening relationships.”
Don’t miss the Retail Bulletin’s 4th Retail HR Summit, 9th October 2012 at the Cavendish Conference Centre, London W1. The theme for the day is:Recruiting, training and retaining top talent to drive profit and engage the multichannel customer.
Confirmed speakers include •Therese Procter, Personnel Director, Retailing Services, Tesco •Lynne Weedall, Group HR & Strategy Director, Carphone Warehouse •Ryan Cheyne, People Director, Pets at Home •Simon Russell, Director Retail Operations Development, John Lewis •Paul Kennedy, HR Director, Caffè Nero •Joanne Hill, Recruitment Advisor, The Co-operative Group •Rebecca Martin-Cortez, Retail Resourcing Manager, Argos and Homebase •Sarah Chitty, Senior HR Business Partner, Republic (Retail) Ltd •Paul McNulty, Head Office Recruitment Manager, The Talent Team, Matalan •Helen Taylor, Organisational Development Manager, Damart •Tom Sayer, Resourcing Manager, Debenhams •Mathew Armstrong, UK Head of Business Development, General Dynamics Information Technology •Christopher Bogh, Technical Director, eploy. Click here for full details.
