Managers are self-delusional, claims CMI study

Mon, 10 Jan 2011

Managers are self-delusional, claims CMI study

The inability of managers to imagine what it is like to work for them is one of the key indicators of bad management, according to a new study.

This lack of self awareness is a common trait among substandard managers – they think they are much better managers than they are. Business owners need to be aware that some managers may report successes and come across as confident, competent managers, but it is only by providing their staff with a platform from which to speak honestly about their manager’s performance that the truth really comes out.

This is according to new research by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI). The researchers found that half of bosses claim to be excellent managers, while an objective test of their strengths and weaknesses suggests that the real figure is around one in seven.

These figures are alarming to any business owner, as high management standards are key to improving productivity and staff morale. To get the very best from staff and to minimise the chance of high staff turnover, managers must be competent, supportive and well qualified.
The CMI attributes the reason behind the self delusion that is so rife among managers, to a lack of staff training and development.

Ruth Spellman, the CMI’s chief executive, stated, "Management and leadership skill development has been neglected by employers, government and managers themselves for far too long."

She added, "We need a renewed focus on investment in training and development in this field, both for the current generation and future generations of managers."

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