What Traits Do You Expect Your Company's Leaders to Exhibit?
Are you getting what you expect out of your leaders? According to a recent Kelton Global study, the qualities American workers value most in their company’s leaders are the same qualities they find most lacking. What’s even more interesting is that the public doesn’t see engineers as CEO material when engineering is one of the most popular areas of undergraduate study for CEOs.
This becomes a relevant discussion for this column because inherent in engineering training is a quality methodology foundation. Let’s begin with the general public and its view of CEO traits. Thirty percent of those surveyed say honesty is the trait they value most in their company’s leaders, while 22% cite communication skills. Critical thinking and commitment also were noted as key leadership qualities at 11% and 10%, respectively, according to the survey.