Finance sector lacks leadership skills

The financial services sector does not focus enough on reviewing leadership skills, according to a new survey.

The research, conducted by Cybele Training & Consultancy, has found that of the 250 people polled in financial services, none thought leadership skills were a primary concern when evaluating training and development within their internal teams.

While 36% of those surveyed thought reviewing technical skills was most important in training appraisals, another 36% were focusing on future talent potential.

Carole Stevenson, director of Cybele, said: ‘Equipping staff with leadership skills is obviously a central element of any business’s success and it is clear that companies should refocus on improving their team members’ talents in this area.

‘Especially in this current economic climate, companies cannot afford to overlook their leadership capabilities.’

Only a small number of those questioned referred to the challenge of identifying and utilising core leadership skills when prompted.