A lack of leadership skill training is widely accepted as a core weakness in general British management, and an area that needs to be urgently addressed.This claim is supported by research conducted by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, which concluded that as many as “two thirds of UK organisations are suffering from a shortage of highly effective leaders”. The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) shares this viewpoint, stating that “Good leaders, supervisors and managers are essential if UK business performance is to improve.”Furthermore, in October 2005, a team of leading business academics identified poor leadership training as one of the top five key weaknesses in business management. The report found a strong correlation between these deficiencies and the capabilities developed by Reservists, whose broad training encompasses transferable skills such as leadership, self-confidence and initiative.All Reservists receive training in leadership skillsAs an integral part of Reserve training, Reservists are required to lead teams both on exercise and during general training. Feedback is given on their capabilities from which they are able to develop their leadership skills further. This is of particular value to their civilian employment.The CBI believes that the training and experience gained by Reservists could help UK businesses to tackle the critical weaknesses in management and leadership. “With the Armed Forces’ long held reputation for high quality leadership, the CBI believes that those men and women serving as Reservists could develop the skills through their training to fill these roles and become our business leaders and managers of the future.”Forward-thinking companies recognise benefits of employing ReservistsUK business leaders need to look for alternative and more innovative approaches towards training in order to develop management and leadership skills throughout their organisations. Forward-thinking companies are already benefiting from employing Reservists and utilising their unique leadership skill training to enhance their organisation’s capability.To raise awareness of the advantages of employing members of the Reserve Forces, SaBRE is running a campaign whereby employers can publicly give their backing. Companies wishing to pledge their support for current or future Reservists in their employment are invited to sign the Statement of Employer Support which can be found through the SaBRE website.



About the Author:

In our current crazy business climate, managers and executives are becoming obsolete and are being replaced by leaders. The new manager/executive must be an expeditor and leader rather than an order giver and manager of people.

In this article, I have documented what I have found to be the leadership skills and abilities that are valued in leaders today. If you are looking to build a high performance team or company, these are the leadership traits that you and your managers should be focused on to improve personal and business performance.

1. Vision

Leaders have the ability to see things as they should become. Defining the organization’s direction, the leader defines the organization’s future.

2. Communication

Leaders are able to get others to share in their vision. They communicate in a clear and powerful way. Whether in large meetings or personal discussions, they never miss an opportunity to pass along their message.

3. Flexibility

Leaders are willing to learn. Leaders will be committed to furthering their own knowledge as well as making sure others keep up with the demand for a better educated workforce.

4. Action Oriented

Leaders know that it is not enough just to gather up the good ideas of others. When new ways of doing things can be implemented, putting them into action will fall on the shoulders of the entire team.

5. Bottom Line Thinker

Leaders know the financial conditions and limitations of the organization. Once they have the same information as senior executives, it is expected that they will reach the same decisions.

6. Builds Rapport

Leaders let the person or group know they understand their viewpoint, whether they agree or not.

7. Listening

Leaders have a mutual interest in the matter under discussion. Letting the other party speak first shows they are thought of as equals.

8. Respect

Leaders do not talk at people, they communicate with them. They treat them with respect. Do not patronize them. Leaders help them remember that they have an equal stake in finding an acceptable solution.

9. Focus

Leaders focus on the emotional issues that connect them with their followers. Leaders always stress values shared by their employees, enlisting their employees in a mission that gives their work purpose and direction.

10. Innovative

A leader can think on his or her feet. In critical situations, they have to come up with the answers, not look in textbooks.

11. High Expectations

Leaders have found, higher expectations from their workers, the better results achieved.

12. Passion

Leaders **** bureaucracy and all the nonsense that comes with it.

13. Change

Leaders stimulate and relish change. Do not become frightened or paralyzed with fear. They see change as an opportunity, not a threat.

14. Energy

Leaders have an enormous amount of energy and the ability to energize and invigorate others. They understand speed as a competitive advantage and see the total organizational benefits that can be derived from a focus on speed.

15. Support

Leaders surround themselves with competent, responsible, and supportive people.

For additional information and resources go to http://www.executivebusinessadvisers.com/



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