Press Release

Inspirational Leadership – the missing ingredient in UK businesses

8 August 2007 – Resignation levels are on the increase as business leaders fail to provide the inspiration and direction UK employees expect to see in the workplace.

Figures released by the Chartered Management Institute show that 78 per cent of organisations are experiencing retention problems – an increase from 55 per cent, last year.  Asked about the workplace environment, individuals say they want to see leaders demonstrate ‘genuine shared vision’ (79 per cent), ‘real confidence and trust in teams’ (77 per cent) and ‘respect for employees, colleagues and customers’ (73 per cent).  However, less than 4 in 10 believe their leaders regularly exhibit these attributes.

To address these concerns and provide guidance for managers and leaders, the Chartered Management Institute will run a special session on ‘Transforming Leadership’ at its National Convention, at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole, 11-12 October 2007.  Focusing on different styles of leadership it will enable participants to measure their own leadership strengths, understand where development is needed and identify techniques to improve performance.

Under the theme of Management and Leadership for Tomorrow, the seminar will form part of a series of 40 workshops at the two-day conference.  Issues such as ethics in the workplace will be addressed by Sir Michael Bichard and preventing fraud in organisations will be covered by a representative from the Fraud Advisory Panel.

The conference will also host keynote addresses from senior business leaders, including:

• Patrick Dunne, group communications director, 3i
• Richard Bowker CBE, chief executive, National Express Group
• Sir Gulam Noon MBE, chairman, Noon Products

Jo Causon, director of marketing and corporate affairs at the Institute, says: “Employees respond to leaders who show trust, respect and appreciation of their teams.  Yet at the same time, individuals need to earn that trust.  It is not just about delivering results, but about demonstrating commitment, developing skills and making a sustained impact in the workplace.”

At the 2007 National Convention, the Chartered Management Institute will also showcase two major new pieces of research.  The reports will highlight the Quality of Working Life amongst UK employees and provide an insight into the learning and development habits preferred by individuals and their employer.

For full details about the 2007 National Convention programme, click here