Leadership deficiencies in rapidly changing organizations: multisource feedback as a needs assessment tool - Part I

Purpose - This article aims to report the results of a study concerning the key performance deficiencies found in leaders in rapidly changing organizations.Design methodology approach - A sample of 153 middle and front-line managers from a cross-section of US manufacturing and service organizations were asked to assemble a multisource feedback (MSF) team consisting of five people who responded to the following question: "What specific things should this individual be working on to become more effective as a leader in their rapidly changing work situation?" In turn, 765 raters rated 153 middle and front-line managers on their leadership performance deficiencies.Findings - Data analysis indicated the top ten leadership performance deficiencies were: ineffective communication practices, poor time and priority management skills, failing to clarify direction and performance expectations, ineffective interpersonal teaming skills, inability in handling stress pressure and staying poised, ineffective coaching feedback and employee development practices, poor planning skills, ineffective problem-solving and decision-making activities, ego issues and disorganization.Originality value - Based on these data, a series of leadership lessons for individual business leaders, organizations they serve and those responsible for the training and development of leaders are provided.