News: Performance Management
Public sector managers call for communication and influencing skills training
13 October 2008
Communication skills training would benefit a large proportion of managers and senior executives in the public sector, it has been suggested.
The results of the latest Public Management Index, a collaboration between the National School of Government and Ashridge Business School, reveal that almost half of such managers feel their own leaders do not communicate enough with staff.
Around three-quarters of the 1,394 senior and middle managers questioned for the index also alluded to the potential need for training in persuading skills, since they increasingly find themselves having to influence individuals over whom they have no management responsibility.
Regular opportunities for learning and development were further cited as key motivational factors in their jobs.
"[The index] reveals a number of continuing challenges that need addressing, such as leadership development and communication from the top," observed Mark Pegg, director of Ashridge's public leadership centre.
He added that the index also highlights a public sector workforce "with strong public values", passion and loyalty.
The findings echo the Times' most recent Best Councils to Work For analysis, which identified effective leadership skills as the primary distinguishing feature between the country's local authorities.
