Employment: Bullying bosses stifle talent

The best leaders in industry show enthusiasm and support, rather than inspiring fear in their staff by bullying them, according to a major new study today. Bullying bosses kill innovation because ruling by fear is the management style least likely to make the most of workers' talents, it was found.

The most comprehensive survey ever held into workplace leadership showed that staff were most likely to be motivated by managers who showed integrity and fairness.

The Industrial Society report said organisations no longer wanted bosses, but preferred leaders who gave employees the right space to perform well without having to be watched over. The survey of 1,000 workers found that four out of five admired leaders who were not in formal positions of authority. The most admired leaders showed enthusiasm, supported others, recognised individual effort and listened to other peoples' ideas.