Deloitte global survey finds focus on retaining talented employees, leadership development
The recession has strained both Canadian small business owners and executives around the world. Yet best in class companies are not letting that impact their leadership initiatives, said a recent report.
According to a survey of global executives released this week by Deloitte Consulting, companies are shifting their focus to "offensive" measures such as retention of critical leaders and workers, as well as an increased focus on training and development with the aim of grooming corporate leaders.
Specifically, 47 percent of respondents said they expect to increase programs aimed at "developing high potential employees" while 43 percent were aiming to cultivate corporate leaders.
Furthermore, 72 percent said that leadership development was "very" or "critically" important at their companies.
"Our research shows that companies committed to world class leadership programs maintained their focus during the recession and are continuing to invest in developing new career paths for their top performers and to cherry-pick the best talent available in the marketplace," said Jeff Schwartz, principal of human capital for Deloitte Consulting.
A recent study from the McKinsey Quarterly confirmed the importance of leadership, finding that it was the most important factor in guiding a company through difficult economic times.
