Most organizations invest substantial sums of money on employee training. "Management development" is a key focus of this training, as research studies point to the belief that employees leave their managers, not their jobs when they jump ship. Poor communication style, lack of feedback and coaching ability, unrefined relationship skills, and micro-management tendencies are all cited in departing employee exit interviews as management vices too tough to endure over time. Reports from human resources departments all over the country seem programmed to sing the same tune: develop your leadership and people management skills and business results will improve.
As you would expect, many executives can see the hidden writing on the wall in this onslaught of data echoed from employee attitude surveys, exit interviews, and turnover numbers. There must be some connection between turnover and management skills, even if the connection seems "fuzzy". Consequently, the resulting commitment to training. …
