A survey published by the chartered Management Institute (CMI) claims there’s a loss of over £19 billion to the UK economy because of management inefficiency. The worst management practices include “unclear communication, lack of support, micro-management and lack of direction”…that’s a whole lot of poor soft skills.
In addition, one-third of respondents witnessed managers bullying or harassing their employees, evidence that Downward Focus is affecting a lot of organisations.
It seems ‘control and command’ is still holding the reins, despite the known need for a more democratic way of leading and managing. If it is time for a change, why is the old paradigm so much in evidence, both in real organisations, and on hugely popular TV programs like Dragon’s Den and The Apprentice?
Perhaps we just like our leaders big and bossy?
“You have to be a follower before you can lead.”
Branford Marsalis
For a new kind of leadership we need a new kind of followership.
Have a listen to the latest podcast about the barrier of Backward Focus in organisations, and how it affects leadership…and followership.