News: Performance Management
'Training in "soft skills" vital for managers'
17 March 2008
Managers are increasing required to practise "soft skills" in their workplaces in order to lead and inspire their employees, it has been claimed.
The Sunday Times reports that as the ability to relate well with others is now considered necessary to attract and retain staff several companies have invested in management training schemes to improve these qualities in their leaders.
Managers from Orange, accountancy firm Menzies and engineering company Bosch Rexroth have all been sent on courses to improve their soft skills, the news provider reports.
"The skills set that brought you success in the old economy is no longer enough. In the new economy, all our managerial skills are going to be aimed at understanding customers and organising information," John McGurk of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development told the news provider.
"You will have to do a lot more talking to people and a lot of nerds will be left behind if they don't acquire soft skills," he added.
A poll of 500 UK business leaders by Microsoft found that, team working and interpersonal skills were the most sought-after skills in the workplace, the news provider reports.
In addition a recent report by the Kenexa Research Institute (KRI) showed that measures such as goal development, regular feedback from managers and progress tracking have a positive effect on employee job satisfaction and motivation, Management Issues reports.
According to the Sunday Times, there are 8,500 commercial training organisations in Britain, with many of them offering training in soft skills.
