Senior executives struggle to juggle as priorities compete for attention

Senior executives across the UK admit they are struggling to manage conflicting priorities, as demand for their attention is split between strategic planning, stakeholder management and personal needs. Research, published today by the Chartered Management Institute, reveals that the UKís managers and leaders are highly motivated, but worry that the challenges they face will affect their ability to perform.

The research, of 1,175 managers and directors, shows that an overwhelming majority (84 per cent) grapple with the challenge of ëprioritising workí. Two-thirds (63 per cent) claim to have ëlittle time to thinkí and 53 per cent also say they struggle to find ëtime for strategic planningí. Only 5 in 10 find it easy to make time for their staff, while a similar proportion (44 per cent) are diverted by internal politics.

Worryingly, the research also shows that respondents find it hard to manage personal needs. 51 per cent find their own administration a challenge, 54 per cent often find it hard to get home on time and only 1 in 10 strongly agree they can relax in their free time.

Asked about challenges faced by their employers, the research shows that striving to reach daily goals can be at the expense of long-term success. Key findings include:

ï Daily diverts: 71 per cent admit that ëfinishing tasksí is a battle. 50 per cent of respondents blame an organisational culture of ëmeeting overloadí for this, with 46 per cent also saying that ëmeeting preparation timeí diverts too much attention

ï Innovation a low priority: only 16 per cent believe ëinnovationí is a challenge, so it is a concern that the majority (72 per cent) claim new product development is not high on the organisational agenda. In terms of long-term growth it is also a worry that 70 per cent view ëseeking new markets for products and servicesí as unimportant

ï Development doldrums: despite 81 per cent of organisations struggling to recruit the best candidates*, only 1 in 3 respondents claim that internal talent management is important to their employer and just 33 per cent agree with the statement that they ëunderstand how their career will progressí

The research also shows managers are worried that such narrow approaches will affect performance. However the survey shows that the UKís managers are determined to succeed. 83 per cent canít wait to ëget up in the morningí and 75 per cent claim they find it easy to ëkeep positiveí. There is also a clear indication of camaraderie, with 76 per cent turning to colleagues for support.

Jo Causon, director of marketing and corporate affairs for the Chartered Management Institute, says: ìIn the current climate, prioritising a multitude of responsibilities and tasks at work is a real challenge for managers. Organisations need to provide a supportive and open environment so individuals can dedicate time to developing fresh ideas for the future of the business. The lack of professional training and development is also a concern. If UK employers fail to invest in the skills and competencies of individuals, there will be a serious impact on how well the UK performs on a global market in the future.î

Reacting to the findings, the Chartered Management Institute has created a freely downloadable resource to help individuals juggle priorities and manage more effectively. A series of management checklists, diagnostic tools and general advice is available via a specially created website: