More than half of respondents in a recent survey believe that talented managers are “made, not born”, suggesting that training and development play an important role.

However, although more than 75% of respondents in the survey, completed by Learndirect, think they are good leaders, a large number (51%) have never taken part in any leadership training.

There were also gender differences on what qualities a good leader should have. Women questioned rated “excellent communication skills” as the most important skill, while men rated a “good motivator of people”. A third of respondents also said they do not feel their own manager is a good leader.

Kirstie Donnelly, director of products and marketing at learndirect business,said: “Leadership skills are critical to the success of a business and nine out of 10 people in our research agree that good leadership is essential for business success.”