New Data, Old Problem

In continuing the above theme, new research from Gallup indicates that only 30% of front-line supervisors were promoted into their positions on the basis of prior supervisory experience or supervisory skills. (This sounds like the “Peter Principle,” which is about 50 years old.) Other relevant data include the following: 

• 65% of supervisors said they were promoted on the basis of their production (non-supervisory) performance/experience; 

• The above supervisors were found to be 31% less engaged than supervisors with prior supervisory experience or training; 

• Front-line supervisors who have been through specific supervisory training in the past year were 79% more likely to be engaged, per Gallup. The report also said they were 19% less likely “to feel burned out at work very often or always, and 11% less likely to be actively looking or watching for a new job.”