Gutsy geezers don't make the grade

Citation

(2001), "Gutsy geezers don't make the grade", Work Study, Vol. 50 No. 6. https://doi.org/10.1108/ws.2001.07950fab.005

Gutsy geezers don't make the grade

Gutsy geezers don't make the grade

Instinct is still the most prominent means of business decision making according to a business survey conducted by business intelligence specialist Cognos. Out of the 200 companies questioned, 75 per cent of decision-makers base their actions on gut feeling rather than hard facts. During the research, Cognos discovered four main terms used to describe forms of leadership in businesses.

"Dual drivers" are the most common form of manager and account for 44 per cent of those surveyed. They balance business information with business feel and consider all the facts before making a decision.

A total of 24 per cent of managers are considered to be "lazy loafers", who take too much time and rely heavily on hearsay rather than hard facts. This often leads to ill-thought out decisions and slow feedback to the rest of the company.

"Wacky-statties" are the type of managers who define their decisions solely on internal facts and figures and are sticklers for detail. They often take too much on board and are too preoccupied to handle crisis situations. In the survey, wacky statties account for 18 per cent of managers.

Accounting for only 14 per cent of managers, "gutsy geezers" attack issues too quickly and often miss vital detailed information. They believe in instinct over statistics, which can lead to greater difficulties in the long run.