Survey: Entry-level employees are looking for clear vision from C-suite

“From the Ground Floor to the Corner Office” a new survey by GE, looked at 250 C-suite leaders and 400 entry-level employees across the United States, and found that 95% of the C-suite and 81% of entry-level respondents believe it is important that a “leadership mindset” is communicated to all staff. Fortunately for most companies, 72% of respondents believe their organizations have this mindset clearly defined.

The purpose of the survey is to explore mindsets that companies foster to help them achieve their business goals. This mindset includes characteristics and priorities that guide expectations on how everyone in the organization can approach their work to develop as strong leaders, be more efficient, and help enable the long-term success of the company.

“The workplace revolution is reshaping how employees develop as leaders, just as it has reinvented where they work and how they work,” said Linda Boff, chief marketing officer and VP, learning and culture and president, GE Foundation. “In today’s rapidly changing business environment, entry-level employees value a clear vision and authentic communications from the C-suite, creating an opportunity to further inspire and empower the next generation of leaders.”

There is a divide around how companies promote leadership. For example 88% of C-suite respondents versus 59% of entry-level employees say their company’s executive team embodies its leadership mindset every day. Also, while 90% of C-suite executives say their company supports the development of strong leaders, just 68% of entry-level feel the same.

Interestingly, entry-level employees are less likely than C-suite to believe the impact of their company’s leadership mindset is effectively communicated by executives. For example, 85% of C-suite agree that their company’s executive team effectively communicates the impact that leadership mindset has on the success of the business, while 62% of entry-level employees agree with that.

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Overall, the report notes that regardless of when leadership mindset is communicated, open and respectful internal communications are critical to supporting staff along their leadership journey. And finally, companies who effectively communicate and embody their leadership mindset, and support the development of effective leaders are more likely to be seen on the right track, with 96% of people agreeing.