The survey of more than 2,500 UK workers reveals 21% see communication as the most important factor when thinking about the “ideal manager”, making it the most valued trait. This is followed by strong leadership (19%) and fairness (14%).
As part of the poll the employees were asked to name their ideal manager from a list of celebrities. The two figures most frequently chosen were Barack Obama and Richard Branson. Obama’s calmness under pressure (36%) and communications skills (22%) were his most valued qualities. While Branson’s encouraging nature (15%) was what made him stand out.
Reed group managing director Tom Lovell told HR magazine all good leaders will have the most commonly mentioned qualities such as good communication and strong leadership, but the top managers will demonstrate at least some of the more specialist traits.
“There are some overarching qualities that all of the best leaders will have,” he said. “But there are some things like a sense of humour and compassion that will come easier to some than others. Different managers will have different strengths in this area. I think you’d be hard pushed to find someone will have every single skill mentioned.”
