IT managers lack vital communications skills
More than half (56 per cent) of UK IT managers feel unequipped to manage their teams effectively, according to a recent poll conducted by IT services company Parity Resourcing Solution. The survey, of more than 200 IT professionals, also revealed that 67 per cent of IT staff recognised this skills gap among their managers. Almost half also said that their managers lacked vital communication skills and 18 per cent said they did not have the necessary skills to delegate successfully. Parity’s managing director Joe Kelly, said: “Historically, IT managers have been assessed on their technical acumen, but their role has changed in recent years as technology has taken on greater strategic importance.”
Research proves that investment in leadership pays
A report by the Chartered Management Institute provides new evidence of the links between organisational performance and investment in management and leadership development. Called Management Development Works: the evidence, it offers an insight into changing patterns of management and leadership development across organisations of all sizes, over an eight-year period. The research, which is based on detailed interviews with 1,000 managers, reveals improved business performance when development is linked to business strategy; a significant shift in the priority given to management development; and a change in attitude towards what makes a good manager. For the first time since the start of the survey, the idea that ‘leaders are born, not made’ has been challenged, with managers now expressing the view that on-the-job experience is more valuable than natural ability.
www.managers.org.uk/researchreports
HR-led programme gives F1 team a head start
An HR-led programme at BAR Formula One has led to real improvements on the track and in the business – including bottom line savings of 200,000. To drive improvements, BAR Formula One, with consultants Performance First, initiated a programme that would make the whole organisation – all 400 staff, including everybody in the factory – feel involved. The programme was aimed at aligning the organisation to performance on the track, and helping management and staff to identify areas where financial improvements could further assist the company. It included a management development programme – supported by executive coaching – and a one-day event for all staff, which included teams, each headed by members of the racing team, building a race car. There was also an improvement in the time it takes to develop a new car, which was reduced by three months.
New advice for staff about NHS skills framework
A new advice service has been set up to give practical advice to HR and training and development managers, as well as other NHS staff, about how to implement the NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework (KSF). The framework defines and describes the knowledge and skills which NHS staff need to apply in their work to deliver a quality service. It provides a single, consistent, comprehensive framework on which to base the review and development of all staff. The new u-i NHS KSF Advisory Service will be available through the existing u-i telephone advice line, which was established by NHS University to provide free, impartial and confidential careers and learning advice. Advisers are on-hand at the u-i NHS KSF Advisory Service, telephone 08000 150 850 Monday to Friday from 8am to 8pm (with an out-of-hours answerphone/call-back service).
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