News: Performance Management
Management training: Leadership skills mark out best councils
24 September 2008
Effective leadership skills are distinguishing the country's local authorities from each other, according to the latest 'Best Councils to Work For' analysis from the Times.
The survey, which uses a methodology developed by workplace engagement specialist Best Companies, is intended to identify best practice and rank authorities based on staff satisfaction.
Jonathan Austin, founder and chief executive of the firm, told the newspaper that this year's top five out-performed last year's equivalent and suggested that leadership skills and management training may have played a significant role.
"If you get clarity at a leadership level about where the organisation needs to go, it helps that everybody can see how they can play their part in achieving that strategy," he observed.
Mr Austin went on to state that staff are generally inspired and engaged by a chief executive in whom they have faith.
He noted that a number of councils analysed alluded to departmental confusion and isolation caused by the absence of a clear strategy and vision.
Best Companies points out that employee engagement not only directly affects customer experience, but is also reflected in staff recruitment and retention, productivity and absenteeism.
