Many organizations doubt their leaders’ ability to meet the challenges of today’s post-recession environment, according to the 2011 Canadian Talent Survey released today by Aon Hewitt.
Respondents in its survey of 386 Canadian organizations included all level of employees.
Respondents said leaders play a vital role in delivering desired customer service (53%), meeting business goals (40%) and profitability targets (40%), and retaining talent (35%).
However, only 14% believed their leaders were extremely effective at delivering quality service, while their ability to meet business goals and profitability targets ranked 8% and 10%, respectively. As for retaining talent, just 5% rated their leaders as extremely effective.
Robert Carlyle, vice-president with Aon Hewitt in Toronto, said “This crisis in confidence regarding leadership effectiveness does not bode well for the future success of some organizations.”
“Now that the Canadian economy is recovering, survey respondents named employee engagement as their primary post-recession business concern, followed by the retention of top talent,” said Carlyle. “If leaders aren't able to keep pace with shifting demands, they run the risk of losing key employees to competitors.”
Aon referenced recent results from a different study, the Best Employers in Canada. That study indicated employee engagement increased during the recession, due to the limited employment alternatives.
However, now that there are more job opportunities, employees' commitment to their employers may be wavering, if they're not fully engaged.
Carlyle said, “A focus on middle management is also important. Leaders must invest in developing middle managers. They're the ones who can bridge the gap between leadership strategy and employee actions and can effect change.”
Jennifer Harrison
Twitter: JHarrisonBIV