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Research suggests executives struggle to juggle as priorities compete for attention

According to new research, senior executives across the UK admit they are struggling to manage conflicting priorities, as demand for their attention is split between strategic planning, stakeholder management and personal needs.

The research, published by the Chartered Management Institute, found that the UK's managers and leaders are highly motivated, but worry that the challenges they face will affect their ability to perform.

According to the study of 1,175 managers and directors:

* 84 per cent of respondents grapple with the challenge of 'prioritising work'. Two-thirds (63 per cent) claim to have 'little time to think' and 53 per cent also say they struggle to find 'time for strategic planning'. Only 5 in 10 find it easy to make time for their staff, while a similar proportion (44 per cent) are diverted by internal politics.

* 51 per cent find their own administration a challenge, 54 per cent often find it hard to get home on time and only 1 in 10 strongly agree they can relax in their free time.

* 71 per cent say that 'finishing tasks' is a battle. 50 per cent of respondents blame an organisational culture of 'meeting overload' for this, with 46 per cent also saying that 'meeting preparation time' diverts too much attention.

* Only 16 per cent believe 'innovation' is a challenge, and 72 per cent claim new product development is not high on the organisational agenda. In terms of long-term growth, 70 per cent view 'seeking new markets for products and services' as unimportant.

* Despite 81 per cent of organisations struggling to recruit the best candidates, only 1 in 3 respondents claim that internal talent management is important to their employer and just 33 per cent agree with the statement that they 'understand how their career will progress'.

The research found that managers are worried that such narrow approaches will affect performance. However, according to the survey, UK managers are determined to succeed. 83 per cent can't wait to 'get up in the morning' and 75 per cent claim they find it easy to 'keep positive'.

Jo Causon, director of marketing and corporate affairs for the Chartered Management Institute, said: "In the current climate, prioritising a multitude of responsibilities and tasks at work is a real challenge for managers. Organisations need to provide a supportive and open environment so individuals can dedicate time to developing fresh ideas for the future of the business.

"The lack of professional training and development is also a concern. If UK employers fail to invest in the skills and competencies of individuals, there will be a serious impact on how well the UK performs on a global market in the future."

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