Business leaders have come under fire from IT managers for
failing to offer inspirational leadership to staff in the IT
department.
Research by the Chartered Management Institute and the Department
of Trade & Industry found that most IT managers regard their
bosses as aloof and uncommunicative.
In a survey of 100 IT managers, 60% said their managing director or
chief executive was "locked into an ivory tower" and out of touch
with how staff feel.
The Chartered Management Institute said the findings revealed a
dearth of inspired leadership at the top of companies.
IT managers said they wanted managing directors and chief
executives who could inspire their workforce, demonstrate real
confidence and trust in their staff, share their visions, and have
respect for employees, colleagues and customers.
However, less than 40% said their leaders regularly displayed these
attributes, and only 10% saw the ability to inspire demonstrated at
work.
Mary Chapman, chief executive of the Chartered Management
Institute, said, "Leaders who can show, trust, respect and
appreciation are more likely to keep employees motivated."
Less than 20% of IT managers said their bosses had an open-door
policy, and only 40% said their bosses took the time to chat with
staff.
The majority said they wanted their leaders to share their
corporate vision with them, but only 35% said this actually
happened. Over 40% said leaders talked more than they
listened.
Of the IT managers surveyed, 50% said they wanted leaders who
inspired fun and excitement, but only half experienced this at
work. Only 44% said that team events or outings were arranged for
them, and less than 50% said there was a good "buzz" at work.
Most business leaders keep a tight grip on the reins of IT, the
survey found. Only 8% of the IT managers questioned said they had
the authority to sign-off projects, and only 16% were given the
flexibility to work from home.
However, the research also identified examples of good practice,
such as "listening lunches" where the chief executive had a monthly
lunch with employees. Some managing directors made a point of
publicly acknowledging staff achievements and sending personal
thank-yous to individuals.
Also on the positive side 81% of IT managers said they admired
their leader's clear standards, ethics and integrity, and 50%
praised their leader's determination to achieve business
objectives.