Weathering Financial Storm Big Challenge Among Global Leaders

November 3, 2009 – Nearly 100 percent of global business leaders say the greatest challenge has been for their organizations to weather the current financial storm, according to Signium International’s 2009 survey targeting CEOs to determine today’s key obstacles. More than half recognize a key challenge in transforming their organization for sustainable growth in the future. Additionally, Signium queried CEOs’ thoughts regarding what qualities leaders would need to meet their global businesses’ short- and long-term objectives. Forty percent of respondents indicated that communication skills are highly regarded as necessary leadership qualities in the next generation of C-level executives. Many executives also recognized the impact of team-building skills and strong relationships between executives and their staff. And, despite of the current economic environment, over 70 percent of respondents feel that the war for talent is escalating and that one of their critical charters is to identify and develop future leaders. Respondents were clear on both the importance of the right “fit,” and scarcity of balanced leaders. Walter Baker, managing partner at Signium International’s Miami and Tampa offices, compiled the responses and analyzed these emerging trends. More than 50 C-level executives from the Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific responded to the survey in which they discussed various global themes, including leadership challenges and sustainable practices. Signium International is an executive search firm with 40 offices in 25 countries serving clients in the Americas, Europe and the Asia Pacific region.