Article Summary
This Gallup article discusses why truly great managers are rare, stating that only about one in ten people possess the natural talent to effectively manage others. The key findings include:
- Companies fail to choose the right talent for manager roles 82% of the time
- Great managers possess five key talents: motivating employees, assertiveness in driving results, creating a culture of accountability, building trusting relationships, and making informed decisions
- These talents are innate rather than learned skills, making them rare and valuable
The article emphasizes that while many people are promoted to management positions based on their previous performance or tenure, these criteria don't necessarily translate to managerial success. The financial impact of poor management choices is significant, affecting employee engagement, productivity, and business outcomes.
Key Implications
- Organizations need to improve their selection process for managers
- Companies should focus on identifying and developing natural management talent
- The cost of poor management selection affects both employee engagement and business performance
The article concludes by suggesting that organizations should invest more in identifying and developing individuals with natural management talent, rather than promoting based on traditional metrics like tenure or technical skills.