news ANALYSIS

Top 5 Leadership Traits UK Workers Value

Zoya Malik posted 31 March 2021

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020 undoubtedly had a significant impact on work culture in the UK. As the national focus shifted rapidly to fight the pandemic, new measures and ways of working came in to force quite literally overnight.

In circumstances such as these, strong leadership can be invaluable. But what are the traits that people look for in their leaders? And what kind of impact can they have on employees?

A new study conducted by training specialist Hub Events has revealed the most important characteristics that UK workers look for in leaders… and the most concerning. In a survey of 1,000 UK workers, the study identified honesty (44%) as the most valuable characteristic leaders can bring to their team. Good communication (38%) came in as the second most important, while approachability (32%) came in a close third.

Shockingly, the study also found that 45% of the UK workforce have left a job due to bad management, with 70% of poor leaders occupying a director-level position. Diving into the results further, it’s not difficult to see why. Unapproachability (38%) topped the list as the worst trait a manager or person in leadership can have. Poor communication (35%) came in second, whilst aggressive behaviour (33%) came in at a very close third on the list.

Top 5 Best Leadership Qualities:
1. Honesty – 44%; 2. Good Communication – 38%; 3. Approachability – 32%; 4. Decision Making – 29%; 5. Positive Attitude – 25%

Top 5 WORST Leadership Qualities
1. Unapproachable – 38%; 2. Bad Communication – 35%; 3. Aggressive Behaviour – 33%; 4. Poor Listening Skills – 32%; 5. Discrimination – 32%