Managers left in the dark over expectations for job

The next biggest hazards identified in the survey of 870 leaders were learning how to become “hands off” and begin delegating, closely followed by navigating organisational politics.

Considering the level of concern about confusion, the report also revealed the worrying statistic that the last person people will turn to for advice is their new manager. Asked who they would go to for clarity, 58pc said colleagues and peers and 46pc said family and friends. Just 27pc would ask their new boss, fewer than the 30pc who would turn to their previous manager for advice.

Simon Mitchell, UK general manager and marketing director at DDI, said: "When people receive a promotion, or have another kind of role change at work, they obviously feel they've been given it as a vote of confidence – they have. It’s natural that they want to demonstrate that the confidence hasn’t been misplaced and often don’t want to risk looking less confident than they may be by asking their new boss for advice.

"It’s natural for people going through transition to believe they should have all the answers themselves, however illogical Dr that may be and this is why they seek advice outside of the organisation."

Dr Sinar added: “The importance of high-fidelity communication between the manager and the newly placed leader cannot be overstated. To alleviate much of the stress-generating, productivity-killing ambiguity, managers need to initiate clarifying conversations about expectations, access to resources, and performance measures.

“Let newbies know that it’s OK – and expected – for them to be nervous or even terrified.”

When it comes to what drives staff to make the next step in their career path, money was a surprisingly poor source of motivation. Fewer than 10pc cited pay as the main reason – though 54pc reported compensation rose – while close to a third said they made the leap to fulfil long-term goals, 13pc said they felt they did not have a choice and 6pc said they though it would look good on their CV.

Job vacancies and careers advice at Telegraph Jobs

more