Securing the top spot at a company takes more than knowledge of the industry and the ability to think strategically.
Rather, leaders need to know how to manage and motivate employees above all else, according to the Association of Executive Search Consultants' 2013 Industrial and Manufacturing Executive Job Trends Survey.
"Leadership and inspiring teams are critical for organizations' success, particularly in an era when the 'new normal' means perpetually operating leaner," said Peter Felix, president of AESC.
The survey, which polled 206 industrial and manufacturing sector members of AESC's BlueSteps, an online management service for executives, also revealed that, in terms of career management concerns, 40% of executives are most worried about finding new career opportunities.
As one executive said in the survey: "My main concern is keeping up a network that will recognize my ability. It seems like there is no interest in looking for good people, only one of mitigating risk by selecting candidates that tick every box."
Only 11% cited employment stability as their top concern, while 13% expressed doubts about being able to stay innovative.
And, according to the survey, executives feel driven by pressures to improve profitability, reduce costs and to attract qualified talent than by concerns about capital, globalization and the economy.
