6700 Beta Drive, Suite 300
  Mayfield Village, OH 44143
  Phone: 440/684-9700 | Fax: 440/684-9760
  www.ercnet.org | www.northcoast99.org | www.erchealth.com

Contact: Marty Mordarski, Director of Research & Membership, mmordarski@ercnet.org

Press Release
Wednesday, April 30, 2008

One in Three Employers Prepared for Changes in Leadership

Cleveland– According to a recent study released by ERC (Employers Resource Council), 31% of organizations report that they are prepared if their top leaders leave the organization and a quarter of organizations have a formal succession plan in place. Sixty-nine percent of organizations say that they have the leadership talent they need to meet current business demands, however, among these organizations the average age of senior managers is 51. Fifty-six percent of organizations say that the rapidly aging workforce is impacting their talent pool.

In terms of specific talent sought out in their future leaders, organizations reported several competencies critical in identifying future leaders of the organization. Problem solving, decision making, and communication skills rank among the most common critical competencies sought by employers, while negotiation and influencing others rank among the least common critical competencies sought by employers for individuals in leadership positions.

Critical Leadership Competencies

ERC is Northeast Ohio’s largest organization dedicated to HR and workplace programs, practices, training and consulting. The organization also hosts NorthCoast 99 and sponsors the ERC Health insurance program. For more information about ERC, check out www.ercnet.org.

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