Developing leaders to keep the best talent

Organisations are failing to provide adequate levels of training and development, resulting in record recruitment and retention problems.

Figures released by the Chartered Management Institute show that although 74 per cent of individuals believe management qualifications are becoming more important, over half of organisations admit they offer little in the way of career development or training (51 per cent). Analysis also shows that 81 per cent of employers are experiencing recruitment problems, a fourfold increase since 2002, and 78 per cent suggest retention has become harder.

To address these concerns and provide guidance for managers and leaders, the Chartered Management Institute will run a special session on ëLeadership developmentí at its National Convention, at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole, 11-12 October 2007. Focusing on how organisations can ensure they have high-performing leaders it will explore how organisations can evaluate leadership development programmes.

Under the theme of Management and Leadership for Tomorrow, the seminar will form part of a series of 40 workshops at the two-day conference. Issues such as preventing fraud in organisations will be also covered, alongside seminars on ethics in the workplace.

The conference will also host keynote addresses from senior business leaders, including:

ï Patrick Dunne, group communications director, 3i
ï Richard Bowker CBE, chief executive, National Express Group
ï Sir Gulam Noon MBE, chairman, Noon Products

Jo Causon, director of marketing and corporate affairs at the Institute, says: ìFeedback from individual managers provides the clearest indication that pay is not their major motivator. They want employers to show commitment in the shape of ongoing professional development and, if organisations are serious about retaining the best talent, they urgently need to meet these needs. Failure to so will, in the short-term, ensure the top talent leaves. In the long-term it will mean also that a solution to the skills crisis will be no nearer reality than it is today.î

At the 2007 National Convention, the Chartered Management Institute will also showcase two major new pieces of research. The reports will highlight the Quality of Working Life amongst UK employees and provide an insight into the learning and development habits preferred by individuals and their employer.