Kiwis reject ‘Gordon Gekko’ CEOs

Kiwis reject ‘Gordon Gekko’ CEOs

Good communication is the most important attribute for Kiwi business leaders but ruthlessness is overrated, according to a new survey by workspace provider Regus.

The global survey of just under 40,000 businesspeople revealed New Zealanders place higher priority on ‘soft’ skills than some of the harder attributes traditionally associated with corporate leaders.

Respondents were asked to rate various traits as nice to have (one point), important (two points) or essential (three points).

Good communications was the top-rated trait, followed by commitment. Honesty and the ability to motivate people were tied for third.

Regus New Zealand Area Director Pierre Ferrandon says New Zealand respondents placed greater emphasis on communications than anywhere else in the world, giving it an average score of 2.85 points compared to the global average of 2.63.

Ruthlessness was rated the least important of the 14 traits, a result Ferrandon says was not unique to New Zealand.

“This was a global trend in the survey. Cut-throat corporate titans, such as Gordon Gekko in the movie ‘Wall Street’, are going out of fashion as businesses seek leaders with people skills who can engage and motivate staff,” he says.

“These skills are more important than ever, due to the changing nature of work. Increasing emphasis is being placed on flexibility, work-life balance and a positive workplace culture. Following the GFC there is also a focus on responsible corporate behaviour.”

Other important traits for Kiwi business leaders included confidence (ranked fifth), the ability to rapidly assess situations (sixth) and innovative thinking (seventh).

Next on the list were high energy levels, financial competence and ambition.

Persuasiveness, the ability to take risks and technical product knowledge all ranked in the bottom four traits.

“Kiwis value honesty, transparency and openness in all aspects of life, including in the corporate world. We expect our CEOs to be ‘straight up’ with their workers, customers and the general public,” Ferrandon says.

“New Zealand is fortunate to have a number of world-class CEOs who are excellent communicators. However, good communication is just as important for the small business owner with 10 employees as it is for the leaders of our biggest companies.”

www.regus.co.nz

Ends

© Scoop Media