PDI Ninth House Study Reveals Leadership Gap in Growing and Developing Talent
MINNEAPOLIS (Nov. 9, 2011) – As leaders climb the ranks of an organization, their ability to develop and grow talent decreases, according to a recent PDI Ninth House Pulse on Leaders study. This finding is in stark contrast to research showing that the building talent competency becomes more critical at higher leadership levels within an organization. In the senior executive role, it is one of the most important competencies a leader can possess.
As part of a PDI Ninth House 360-degree review process, PDI Ninth House asked more than 8,000 leaders around the world to rate the importance of leadership competencies and to rate the skill level of other leaders. While leaders at all levels, from first-level leaders to senior executives, indicated that building talent is a top competency — and among the most critical at the very top — the research also uncovered a corresponding decrease in leaders’ actual skill as they ascended in the organization.
“Fostering talent development is a complex task, and that complexity only grows as the scope of leadership increases,” said Cori Hill, director, Leadership Development Solutions, PDI Ninth House. “Whether through a lack of priority or skill, executives are falling short in this area. Despite increasing business pressures, executives must continue to focus on the development of their teams, especially as their roles increase.”
Research revealed first-level leaders rank higher in skill level than senior executives when it comes to developing talent, and the vulnerability of the talent competency increases with managerial level. This occurs just as leaders climbing the ranks typically shift from having to select and develop their direct reports, to more varied responsibilities, including developing and engaging entire teams, and establishing systems that support the development of successors for key positions.
PDI Ninth House recommends organizations place high importance on developing talent and employ coaching methods to foster this competency at all leadership levels. This entails executives developing their own coaching skills and building coaching skills within their teams. Asking for and providing feedback, incorporating stretch assignments, consciously looking for development opportunities, and holding development discussions are all effective coaching elements that executives should incorporate when focusing on developing talent.
“Coaching methods show employees that executives value their development,” Hill said. “This, in turn, helps those employees become more engaged and less likely to leave for better opportunities, which ultimately helps further strengthen an organization.”
MEDIA NOTE
Look for future data releases from PDI Ninth House Pulse on Leaders.
PDI Ninth House Pulse on Leaders analyzes different workplace questions on a regular basis and can be used as a source for gaining insight on the inner values of talent management and leadership development.
About PDI Ninth House:
PDI Ninth House is the world’s premier global leadership solutions company. For more than four decades, we have provided integrated assessment, development and coaching solutions around critical leadership and business challenges that most directly impact each leader’s success and the success of their organization. For more information, contact PDI Ninth House at 1.612.339.0927 (in the U.S. 1.800.633.4410) or visit its website at www.pdinh.com.
