This is the kind of manager every team dreams of - 5 competencies of the future worth developing in 2024

There is a saying that an employee comes to a company - and leaves because of the boss. This is confirmed by the Antal report "Activity of specialists and managers in the labor market." According to the study, 43% of specialists and managers indicate that the most common reason for changing jobs is poor management in their current organization, while 42% also consider a bad atmosphere as a reason. Stress in current work is also becoming an increasingly strong motivator (+10 p.p. compared to 2021).

The relationship between the leader's effectiveness and employee satisfaction with work is direct and undeniable. Nationwide Job Satisfaction Surveys show that managers play a key role in shaping employees' experiences, their engagement, and overall job satisfaction. What are the expectations of employees towards their leader? How to become a manager that people want to work with?

Employee expectations regarding the workplace - facts

It is worth noting that when it comes to changing jobs from year to year, the proposal of a higher salary takes a slightly lower priority (-11 p.p. compared to the previous year), as well as greater career development opportunities with a new employer (-16 p.p.).

Specialists and managers seek consistency and authenticity in management. The organization's values must be visible in everyday actions, and lack of consistency can lead to employee turnover. Avoiding micromanagement and giving employees autonomy is equally important, as lack of independence and a sense of control can lead to frustration and dissatisfaction. Trust plays a crucial role, both from the employee's and employer's perspective - comments Maryla Aftanasiuk-Lisiecka, Business Unit Director at Antal, Sales & Marketing.

Similar conclusions can be drawn from reading the report "Women in Finance" prepared by Antal in collaboration with CFA Society Poland, in cooperation with Bank BPH and the Chamber of Fund and Asset Managers (IZFiA). The study shows that job satisfaction is primarily influenced by the work atmosphere (74%) and high earnings (72%).

Job satisfaction in terms of career is influenced by several factors, among which the work atmosphere should be highlighted. For businesses, this is a signal that to attract talented candidates and retain highly qualified employees, taking care of this aspect becomes necessary and affects the employer brand assessment. It is also a reason why employees are willing to re-enter a once-visited river - adds Maryla Aftanasiuk-Lisiecka.

5 competencies of the future ideal leader

In 2024, managers face challenges posed by globalization, digitization, and the constantly growing expectations of employees. In this dynamic environment, there are five key competencies that define the ideal leader - skills that are essential for leading teams to success, inspiring innovation, and ensuring the sustainable growth of the organization. Antal has identified five competencies that every manager should develop to meet the challenges of the modern business world and become the leader every team dreams of.

• Mental agility and adaptability: In a world of constant change, mental agility and adaptability become key competencies for every effective manager. Developing these skills allows for quickly adjusting to new situations, anticipating upcoming challenges, and effectively managing a team in a changing environment.
• Communication skills and empathy: Good communication and empathy are the foundations of an effective leader. In 2024, the ability to build relationships based on mutual trust and understanding is essential for every manager. Developing these competencies contributes to creating engaged and integrated teams ready to achieve common goals.
• Digital competencies: In the age of digitization, understanding and utilizing digital technologies become an integral part of management. Managers in 2024 must stay updated on digital trends and tools that enhance the productivity and innovation of their teams.
• Data-driven management: In the era of data, the ability to analyze and use data for making strategic decisions is crucial. Managers who develop their analytical competencies gain a competitive advantage by better understanding the market and customer needs.
• Leadership and talent development: In 2024, a manager is not only a leader but also a mentor and coach. Investing in talent development and the ability to inspire a team for continuous growth are essential for building the long-term success of a company.

Managers who cannot effectively motivate their teams may unknowingly contribute to higher employee turnover. High turnover not only generates additional recruitment and training costs but also impacts organizational culture and workflow continuity. Leadership skills have a direct impact on the well-being and performance of a team. Therefore, investing in the development of managerial competencies, such as empathy, communication, and relationship-building skills, is not only beneficial for individual employees but also a crucial element for the success of the entire organization.