New data from CV-Library finds 82.2 per cent of Brits have had a bad leader, with some of the worst bosses being based in Cardiff (88.5 per cent), Liverpool (86.4 per cent), London (84.2 per cent) and Newcastle (83.7 per cent).
The survey, which asked 1,200 UK workers about their experiences of leadership in the workplace, finds that some of the worst traits of bad bosses included: poor people skills (60.2 per cent), poor communication skills (36.7 per cent), favouring certain employees (33.8 per cent) and being unprofessional (32.6 per cent).
Other key findings from the research include, a staggering 93.8 per cent think that strong leadership is important in the workplace, with 76.2 per cent stating that they enjoy following a leader.
But, bad leadership can leave employees feeling de-motivated , according to 41.3 per cent of Brits.
Lee Biggins, founder and managing director of CV-Library, comments, ‘Bad management is often cited as the top reason for employees becoming stressed at work or worse still, leaving organisations altogether, so it’s no surprise that our findings highlight some of the repercussions that poor leadership can bring about.
‘Workers want to feel supported in their day-to-day job, and often depend on a strong leader to look up to, approach if things get tough and rely on for help on a daily basis. Organisations that don’t promote best practice when it comes to leadership will inevitably bear the brunt when it comes to talent retention.’
According to the study, a whopping 83.2 per cent of employees believe that they could make a good leader, with this figure rising to 90 per cent amongst workers in Glasgow, 86.7 per cent for those working in Manchester and 85.1 per cent in London. The key reasons behind this included: because they’re confident (21 per cent), good at communicating (22.7 per cent), approachable (16.6 per cent), a good motivator (14.8 per cent) and trustworthy (12.5 per cent).
Biggins continues, ‘Workers across the UK clearly understand some of the key attributes that are needed to be an excellent leader, having experienced firsthand some of the best and worst traits that bosses possess. Finding great leaders can be hard, and businesses should look to develop employees that demonstrate the passion, drive and behaviour that is needed to drive organisations forward in 2017 and beyond.’
The research finds that the best leadership qualities were: confidence (50.4 per cent), honesty (34.3 per cent), integrity (34 per cent), positivity (31.9 per cent), trustworthiness (31.2 per cent), open mindedness (29.8 per cent), motivational (27.4 per cent), passion (26.4 per cent) and transparency (19.1 per cent).
Further reading on bad leadership
