World Class Manager™
Latest Global Research & Insight
This research represents the lived experience of over 15,500 managers drawn from the 250,000+ leaders who have completed World Class Manager programmes in 50 countries.
Built on more than a decade of work with CEOs, HR executives, and leadership teams across sectors, this dataset reveals where management capability is strong and where critical gaps remain.
These five statistics offer a clear, evidence-based view of how organisations can unlock growth, engagement and performance, through their managers.

October 2025
1
Adaptability
59%
of managers rate their team's ability to adapt effectively
In a world defined by rapid change, adaptability isn't optional, it's a competitive advantage. Yet, 4 in 10 teams don't feel equipped to shift gears when priorities change. For HR leaders, this is a critical signal: adaptability isn't just about tools or processes, it's about how managers lead their people through uncertainty.
Key Actions:
  • Build a culture where experimentation is encouraged and safe.
  • Equip managers to communicate clearly during change.
  • Recognise and reward agile behaviours, not just outcomes.
2
Alignment
50%
of managers say their teams have aligned goals and objectives
Half of teams are out of sync, which means wasted energy, misdirected effort, and slower execution. Strategic clarity at the top doesn't automatically translate into alignment at the front line. Managers play the pivotal role in turning big goals into meaningful, personal action.
Key Actions:
  • Translate strategy into clear team priorities.
  • Co-create objectives with your people to build ownership.
  • Regularly revisit and refine goals to keep them relevant.
3
Stakeholders
55%
of managers meet stakeholder expectations
Success doesn't happen in isolation, it's built on the strength of stakeholder relationships. When nearly half of managers are struggling to meet expectations, growth and innovation stall. Managers who deeply understand and engage stakeholders unlock disproportionate value for their organisation.
Key Actions:
  • Identify and map key internal and external stakeholders.
  • Build regular listening loops to understand needs and expectations.
  • Shift from transactional updates to strategic conversations.
4
Time & Capacity
45%
of managers feel overloaded
Overload isn't just a productivity issue, it's a leadership risk. When managers operate in a constant state of overwhelm, strategic priorities slip, team energy drops, and change efforts lose momentum. Building capacity is as much about smarter prioritisation as it is about culture.
Key Actions:
  • Simplify and prioritise, focus on what truly drives value.
  • Empower teams to take ownership, not just tasks.
  • Model healthy work rhythms to build sustainable performance.
5
Culture & Values
41%
of managers are attracted by culture and values
Culture is no longer a 'nice-to-have', it's a differentiator. When less than half of managers feel genuinely connected to culture and values, retention and engagement are at risk. Leaders have the opportunity to make culture visible and lived daily, not just words on a wall.
Key Actions:
  • Define and communicate culture in clear, human terms.
  • Integrate values into how you hire, develop, and reward.
  • Champion behaviours that make your culture real every day.
Insight that drives action.
These five data points highlight where organisations can build capability that delivers measurable impact.
As we all know, management excellence doesn't just happen, it's built deliberately through practical development, clear alignment, and real accountability.
World Class Manager equips leaders with the tools, language and confidence to do just that.
Key Actions:
1
Use these insights to spark meaningful conversations in your organisation.
2
Invest in building manager capability, not just awareness.
3
Turn insight into action that drives change and growth.
Ready to transform your management capability?
Discover how World Class Manager can help your organisation build the leadership excellence that drives real results.
Learn more at the World Class Manager website
Published October 24th 2025
World Class Manager™ Publishing