According to the latest "Performance Drivers 2024" study by management consultants Staufen, a manager is characterized above all by strong communication skills and empathy. More than 200 industrial companies in Germany, Austria and Switzerland were surveyed for the study.

Nine out of ten study participants are convinced that managers need strong communication skills above all else. Also highly valued: empathy (76 percent), acting as a role model (74 percent) and inner strength (55 percent). "Expectations of managers are rising, they increasingly have to live up to their role model role and demonstrate soft skills," says Remco Peters, Partner at Staufen.

Sovereign action is required

In the wake of the recent crises, the uncertainty of many employees is great and the perceived pace of change is high, so now it is important to have clear and confident leadership: "Listen, point out solutions and inspire enthusiasm for new ideas. Managers are responsible for effective and trusting teamwork. This interaction - even across departmental boundaries - must be coordinated and moderated," says Peters.

"The crises of recent years have put companies under pressure to change, which also has an impact on managers. They can no longer retreat to islands of expertise and slip into the role of distributing tasks. Instead, they are required to act as moderators, mentors and coaches in order to provide their employees with targeted support and align them with the new world of work," says leadership expert Remco Peters.

Employees, the anchors of the industry

In 72% of the companies surveyed, the multitude of challenges poses the greatest difficulty for managers. This is followed by the shortage of skilled workers (55%), employees with constantly increasing demands (54%) and a generally high level of uncertainty about future developments (39%). Staufen consultant Peters: "There are many diffuse fears circulating in the workforce. This makes confident leadership that conveys security all the more important."

Despite all the crises and uncertainties, employees are proving to be a stable anchor for the industry. 73% of companies rate the commitment of their employees as high. However, there is a need to catch up when it comes to further training. Only just over one in five companies attest that their own organization is really designed for continuous learning.

Staufen partner Peters: "Good leadership is increasingly influencing the success of a company. As part of a holistic approach to operational excellence, the development of managers is therefore of particular importance. They must be effectively empowered and qualified for their tasks. This is the only way to achieve the goals of a corporate culture geared towards continuous improvement."

The complete study results can be requested here.