Businesses will not survive the downturn if managers are pessimistic, claim CEOs

According to research of CEOs by the ILM, 80% of business leaders are optimistic about their business prospects, but also identify a positive outlook from their management teams as one of the top three characteristics they need to get through the current tough climate.

More than a quarter (27%) of CEOs think communications skills are most important in their managers and 11% think building effective realtionships with clients is most important - closely alligned to people management.

Penny de Valk, chief executive of ILM, said: "The CEOs we spoke to highlight how important it is for managers to have a leadership mindset and the findings emphasise the need to continue focusing on leadership and management development, even during a downturn, when budgets are tight.

"There is no margin for error during a recession. In a highly competitive economic environment, organisations need their managers to have every advantage possible."