October 6th 2025.
A recent study has shed light on a pressing issue in the U.S. workforce - a shortage of capable leaders. The study, conducted by Express Employment Services in collaboration with The Harris Poll, has revealed that workers are no longer aspiring to take on supervisory or managerial roles.
This revelation comes at a critical time when companies are facing high turnover rates, toxic work environments, and a dwindling pool of potential leaders. In the words of the researchers, "The Harris Poll brings to light a concerning disconnect between what supervisors need and what employers are providing."
Further analysis of the data shows that more than half of the surveyed job seekers who are currently or have previously held management positions have either left or plan to leave their roles due to a lack of fulfillment and limited opportunities for growth. Perhaps even more alarming is the response from Gen Z workers, who expressed a preference for developing their own expertise rather than managing others.
Bob Funk, Jr., the CEO, president, and chairman of Express Employment International, acknowledges this trend, stating, "Supervisors are saying, 'No more.' Future leaders are saying, 'No, thanks.' This has created a vicious cycle that hinders productivity, fosters toxicity, and weakens the workplace. Companies that recognize this issue and take steps to address it will be the ones to thrive in this changing economy."
Upon delving into the key findings, it becomes evident that workers feel their employers are not providing them with the necessary support and resources to excel in leadership roles. Along with the majority of supervisors expressing a desire to leave their positions, other notable statistics include:
- 86% of hiring managers believe their supervisors have the tools they need, but only a third offer training on essential skills like conflict resolution and giving feedback.
- 72% of hiring managers admit that their companies could be doing more to support supervisors.
- Nearly three-quarters of Gen Z professionals would rather focus on developing their own skills than managing a team of people.
In light of these findings, Express Employment Services recommends that companies implement practical leadership training programs and establish peer and mentorship networks. They also suggest investing in mental health and promoting work-life balance, while also recognizing and rewarding effective leadership behaviors, not just outcomes.
Ultimately, the key to navigating this leadership crisis lies in acknowledging and addressing the issue at hand. By prioritizing the development and support of capable leaders, companies can create a healthier and more productive work environment for all. As the saying goes, "A chain is only as strong as its weakest link," and in the workplace, strong and effective leadership is the backbone that holds everything together.
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]
