Senior executives in the manufacturing sector admit they are struggling to manage conflicting priorities, as demand for their attention is split between strategic planning, stakeholder management and personal needs. 

Research, published today by the Chartered Management Institute, reveals that managers and leaders in the sector are highly motivated, but worry that the challenges they face will affect their ability to perform.
 
The research shows that an overwhelming majority in the manufacturing sector (87 per cent) grapple with the challenge of ‘prioritising work’.  Over half (58 per cent) claim to have ‘little time to think’ and 44 per cent also say they struggle to find ‘time for strategic planning’.  Only 5 in 10 in the sector find it easy to make time for their staff, while 39 per cent are diverted by internal politics.
 
Worryingly, the research also shows that respondents in the manufacturing sector find it hard to manage personal needs.  47 per cent find their own administration a challenge, 60 per cent often find it hard to get home on time and only 1 in 10 strongly agree they can relax in their free time. 

Asked about challenges faced by their employers, the research shows that striving to reach daily goals can be at the expense of long-term success.  Key findings include:
 
- Daily diverts: 73 per cent in the sector admit that ‘finishing tasks’ is a battle.  49 per cent of respondents blame an organisational culture of ‘meeting overload’ for this, with  51 per cent also saying that ‘meeting preparation time’ diverts too much attention
 
- Innovation a low priority:  only 11 per cent believe ‘innovation’ is a challenge, so it is a concern that the majority (56 per cent) in the sector claim new product development is not high on the organisational agenda.  In terms of long-term growth it is also a worry that 52 per cent view ‘seeking new markets for products and services’ as unimportant
 
- Development doldrums: despite 81 per cent of organisations struggling to recruit the best candidates*, only 1 in 3 respondents in the manufacturing sector claim that internal talent management is important to their employer and just 24 per cent agree with the statement that they ‘understand how their career will progress’
 
The research also shows managers are worried that such narrow approaches will affect performance.  However the survey shows that managers in the manufacturing sector are determined to succeed.  83 per cent can’t wait to ‘get up in the morning’ and 75 per cent claim they find it easy to ‘keep positive’.  There is also a clear indication of camaraderie, with 76 per cent turning to colleagues for support.
 
Jo Causon, director of marketing and corporate affairs for the Chartered Management Institute, says:  “In the current climate, prioritising a multitude of responsibilities and tasks at work is a real challenge for managers.  Organisations need to provide a supportive and open environment so individuals can dedicate time to developing fresh ideas for the future of the business.  The lack of professional training and development is also a concern.  If UK employers fail to invest in the skills and competencies of individuals, there will be a serious impact on how well the UK performs on a global market in the future.”
 
Reacting to the findings, the Chartered Management Institute has created a freely downloadable resource to help individuals juggle priorities and manage more effectively.  A series of management checklists, diagnostic tools and general advice is available via a specially created website, www.managers.org.uk/howdoyou. 
 
* Taken from the National Management Salary Survey 2007, published in June 2007 by the Chartered Management Institute and Remuneration Economics