Survey uncovers what makes a good business leader

COMMITMENT, communication skills and honesty rank among the most desirable qualities of prospective business leaders, a new survey of Scottish professionals suggests.

Communication skills ranked highly. Picture: PA

Technical knowledge and ruthlessness are the least desirable traits, according to findings from workspace provider Regus, ranked by just 67 per cent and 47 per cent respectively of those polled. The most popular attributes are those which promote a positive culture in the workplace.

Good communication skills came in top at 93 per cent, followed by commitment to the job at 91 per cent. Richard Morris, chief executive of Regus UK, said the latter is seemingly at odds with the rise of the “gig economy” where individuals work on a project-by-project basis for a number of different firms.

“Interestingly, commitment scores very highly – a finding that should make the business community sit up and take notice,” he said. “The survey results suggest that hopping from job to job and project to project – whilst appealing to those gaining experience and life skills – is not necessarily conductive to developing management and leadership skills.”

Honesty was ranked by 90 per cent of those questioned, followed by confidence at 89 per cent and the ability to motivate people at 88 per cent. Innovative thinking and financial competence scored 77 per cent and 75 per cent respectively.

“The most popular qualities identified by our respondents in Scotland are all ones which promote a positive workplace culture,” Morris said.

The survey results are based on responses from business owners and senior managers across Scotland.