Today's turbulent times have the potential to be a severe test of leadership skills for many organisations. But adopting a siege mentality is unlikely to deliver future success, according to a new report from the CIPD.

The report, called Futures, argues that organisations willing to seize the opportunities to recruit, reward, retain, train and develop talent - despite tougher times - are the ones likely to benefit from a competitive edge when the economy picks up again.

Writing in the new report, Jackie Orme, chief executive of the CIPD, said: "Knowing how and when to batten down the hatches is undoubtedly an important leadership skill. And it may be enough to deliver a survival strategy. But this approach won't support growth or deliver competitive advantage for the longer term.

"The leaders who will really excel through uncertain times are those with the courage to ride out to meet the storm - and the integrity to convince others to come with them".

The report is the first in a new series called Futures, designed to reflect the current and future challenges facing leaders in organisations. This edition is looking at the specific, topical challenges associated with 'Leading through uncertain times'.

The report includes contributions from:

·Neil Roden, group director HR, RBS

·Jeffrey Pfeffer, professor of organisational behaviour at Stanford University

·Six CEOs from very different organisations talking about the uncertain times they've faced along the way

·Linda Holbeche, the CIPD's director of research and policy and John Philpott, CIPD chief economist.