Two-thirds (62%) of the UK’s senior business leaders want access to more leadership support options, finds a global survey by LHH of more than 1,000 business leaders, including owners, C-level executives and board directors.
A quarter (24%) of business leaders are struggling to manage underperforming senior colleagues’ performance, yet only 21% say their organisation provides leadership skills development for senior executives. And while 54% of business leaders feel their organisation has the leaders it needs to meet existing and future challenges, the survey also reveals that a ‘skills deficit’ within senior leadership could exacerbate issues.
Frances Cook, managing director of LHH UK and Ireland, said that companies should implement tailored support for leaders, including coaching, from the outset to ensure they have effective career growth from day one.
“Ongoing leadership skills development, executive coaching and mentoring, as well as career strategy or management support, are all critical for establishing – and maintaining – high-performing senior leadership teams that are equipped for success,” said Cook.
Faced with “myriad external and internal issues” including skills shortages, economic volatility, and the impact of AI, more than half (54%) of business leaders said they currently feel overworked and burnt out. More than a third (36%) of the UK’s senior business leaders are considering a change of role, direction or retirement over the next year.