MIND THAT GAP! The gap between management experience levels is growing.

In many change initiatives, high-level leaders know what they want and broadly communicate it. But Gallup research shows that 70% of the variation in employee engagement is attributable to managers. They’re your key to success -- they field questions from individual contributors and advocate for changes on the front lines.  But not all managers are created equally.  Many were promoted into their role with little to no idea about being leaders.

 Closing the gap in corporate management skills is not just a lofty goal; it's an urgent necessity in today's cutthroat business environment. The stakes are higher than ever, and organizations that fail to address this gap risk being left behind in a sea of irrelevance. Here's why closing this gap should be an unyielding priority:

1.         Survival of the Fittest: In the ruthless world of business, only the strongest survive. Companies that neglect to develop competent managers are like blindfolded gladiators stepping into the arena. Closing the skills gap arms organizations with the leadership prowess needed to navigate treacherous terrain, seize opportunities, and triumph over adversaries.

2.         Unleashing the Mavericks: Talented individuals with revolutionary ideas are often stifled by inadequate management. By closing the gap, organizations unlock the full potential of their mavericks—they’re rebellious, out-of-the-box thinkers. These audacious minds challenge the status quo, disrupt industries, and drive innovation. Failure to nurture and empower them is akin to locking away the keys to the kingdom.

3.         War on Mediocrity: The corporate world is plagued by an epidemic of mediocrity. Closing the skills gap in management is a battle cry against lackluster performance and complacency. It sends a clear message that subpar leadership will no longer be tolerated. Organizations that strive for greatness demand managers who can ignite passion, push boundaries, and demand excellence from themselves and their teams.

4.         Talent Wars: The war for talent is fiercer than ever. Closing the gap in management skills is a strategic imperative for attracting and retaining top-tier professionals. Talented individuals seek environments where they can learn, grow, and be led by exceptional managers. Neglecting this gap leaves organizations vulnerable to losing their best and brightest to more visionary competitors. In Gallup’s recent survey, the health of an individual’s relationship with their manager was cited as a top driver in employee engagement.

5.         Corporate Revolution: The world is amid a corporate revolution, demanding a new breed of leaders. Closing the skills gap is about dismantling archaic hierarchies, embracing diversity, and fostering inclusive cultures. It's about cultivating managers who are socially conscious, ethically driven, and equipped to navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing world.

It’s imperative for companies to equip their management teams with new age skill sets if they want to survive, grow, and remain relevant. Organizations that dare to close this gap will emerge as true titans, while the rest are destined to fade into insignificance. The choice is clear: evolve or be devoured.

Are you ready to get started? True North Collaboration can help. We help busy leaders with proven tools to level up managers and reignite employee engagement. Schedule a free 30 minute discovery call with me.

Learn key insights into employee engagement and the importance of skilled leadership communication by visiting my video resources here.

Here’s a list of some of our most popular resources:
Leading Elevated Conversations
Accelerating Into Leadership
Onboarding Accelerator
Communicating With Influence