Management shortage - what is it actually?
The term "executive shortage" refers to a situation in which companies have difficulty finding and retaining qualified executives. There can be various reasons for this: On the one hand, there is a general shortage of skilled workers, which also affects managers. On the other hand, the demands on managers have changed significantly in recent years, so that not every employee is automatically suitable for a management position. Especially in the digital transformation and the associated change in the working world, managers are expected to have new skills and competencies that not every employee automatically has. Companies that suffer from the lack of managers have difficulties in filling vacancies, but above all in that they are not able to lead their employees effectively and thus achieve their corporate goals.
Difference between managerial shortage and skilled labor shortage
While the shortage of skilled workers is primarily a challenge for the recruitment of employees, the shortage of executives directly affects the management and the strategy of the company. While companies without skilled professionals struggle to implement certain projects or meet production targets, a lack of leadership can hamper the company's competitiveness in the long term. Executives play a key role in shaping and implementing the company's vision, motivating and developing employees, and making decisions that ensure the company's long-term success.
Reasons for the leadership shortage
There are various reasons why the leadership shortage exists. One reason could be that many companies do not invest enough in the training and further education of their managers. Another reason could be that many young people do not want to work due to the high work pressure and the strain in managerial positions. The fact that older managers do not retire on time and thus prevent younger generations from moving up the ladder can also contribute to the fact that there are not enough qualified managers. Many superiors can't cope with the change in the world of work - the New Work - and simply reject new work models or approaches. In addition, it can also be due to high fluctuation among managers, so that new employees have to be trained again and again.
solutions for companies
In order to solve the managerial shortage, companies must take various measures. One possibility is to promote internal employees in a targeted manner and prepare them for management positions. It can make sense to identify employees at an early stage who have the potential to grow into management positions. Companies should also invest in targeted training to prepare managers for the requirements of digital transformation.
Another approach is to sensitize existing supervisors to the topic of New Work so that they can adapt to the changing world of work. Leadership styles have changed - managers need to see that too.
A third solution would be to rely on external forces, with companies specifically looking for qualified executives on the labor market. It can make sense to work with headhunters or recruitment consultants to identify and approach potential candidates.
The managerial shortage poses a major challenge for companies, which can affect competitiveness in the long term. This is not only about the problem that there are not enough applicants, but also about the quality of the managers who are available. To counteract this, companies should take measures at an early stage to promote internal employees and develop leadership skills. It is also important to design working conditions in such a way that young people are willing to work in managerial positions.
