Ruth Spellman suggests that with the right training opportunities the skills that make a great leader can be learnt.
Asked who they think is a good leader, most people tend to cite Richard Branson. Some also focus on sporting icons, with Andrew Strauss' name coming to the fore since the England cricket team's reversal of fortunes.
But bring the question closer to home and individuals tend to hold back. Very few people are willing to step forward and claim that they are the type of leader respected by others. It may be due to modesty. It may also be down to a fear that by claiming strong leadership skills, they may be setting themselves up for a fall.
It's an understandable perception given that business leaders have taken some huge knocks over the past two years, but it is worth remembering that Britain still has some good leaders at the helm of many organisations. They may not share the charisma of Branson or the natural aptitude associated with Andrew Strauss – but the best managers and leaders are those who work hard to acquire new skills and adapt to new situations throughout their careers.
"The best managers and leaders are those who work hard to acquire new skills and adapt to new situations throughout their careers."It's a message that the HR community has understood for a long time and now is the right time to ensure the business community accepts this message too. Of course we need strong leaders to drive the UK's economic recovery forward, but employers also have to realise that leadership is about taking a long-term view. If just 7% think that they are born to lead, the next logical step must be to appreciate that good leadership cannot be developed overnight.
The right training opportunities
The characteristics of a good leader, such as decision making and the ability to communicate an organisation's vision, certainly take time to acquire but, with the right training opportunities, the skills that make a great leader can absolutely be learnt. At present, however, it would seem that too many UK managers are falling below par, suggesting the management community isn't taking the time to continually develop skills in what is a constantly evolving business environment.
Ruth Spellman is chief executive of the Chartered Management Institute, the only chartered professional body that is dedicated to management and leadership and committed to raising the performance of business by championing management. For more information, please visit www.comparethemanager.com
