The majority of Britons are not making the effort to develop the skills they need to make it to the top, according to research by Imprint Search & Selection.

The research found that almost half of employees in the UK respected the leadership skills of their line manager above any other, but only 13% were trying to develop the skill themselves. A third saw the ability to resolve conflict as an important trait, however, only 12% were actively developing this skill as part of their career progression.  

Norman Burden, managing director of Imprint Search & Selection, says:  “It’s quite a simple situation. Those who don’t plan their career are unlikely to break through the barrier into senior management while those who plan from the start increase their chances exponentially. 

“For individuals who really want to get ahead, it is now more important than ever to adopt a more positive approach towards career development planning. Individuals need to look beyond the immediate future and start to harness the attributes they most admire in their managers and business leaders. Simply hoping that they will gain the right experience and skills by chance is bound to lead to disappointment and frustration in the future.”