A recent World of Work survey raises concerns about a lack of employees who wish to step into managerial positions in the future. Are the ever-increasing stresses of the work world making managerial positions seem less appealing? Managing is tough, but it comes with rewards and the reality is that we need good managers now more than ever.

A Talent Management Magazine article discussing Andrew O’Keefe’s book The Boss  says, “According to a Corporate Leadership Council study the single most important factor affecting staff engagement is the quality of a person’s manager." Andrew O’Keeffe suggests, “companies can systematically lift the quality of managers in their organizations and reduce the negative emotional response and sapping of staff energy by following five rules.” His five rules relate to making sure that managers are appropriately prepared to meet job expectations, that managerial job expectations are realistic, that the right people are chosen for appropriate jobs, that managers are held accountable and that they have necessary resources available to carry out their jobs.

Managers facing stressful work challenges will burn out if expectations are unrealistic or they do not have access to the resources necessary to carry out their jobs. Ensuring managerial success requires an investment in training, resources and appropriate manager to staff ratios. A well functioning performance management process and sound performance management related training for managers provide a strong base.

Do you think economic conditions have led organizations to cut back on these important management supports?

References:

“Who’s Bossing the Bosses?” Talent Management Magazine [www.talentmgt.com]. August 5, 2009.

World At Work. “Study Finds Lack of Qualified Managers and Employees Who Aspire To Be Managers.” [http://www.worldatwork.org].