At most companies, seniority is often the key driver in promotion. However, time on the job may not be the best indicator of leadership ability. A study conducted by the National Skills Coalition, called Foundational Skills in the Service Sector, identified a major skills gap in frontline supervisors, especially in the small business world. Workers reported being promoted to train and manage teams without having been trained on how to effectively lead. This is problematic, as underprepared supervisors can severely affect the ability of an organization to grow and succeed. It’s important that businesses understand that experience does not automatically equate to management readiness. Instead, they need to be willing to invest in new leaders through professional development. Formal training, such as college courses and workshops, can be just as effective as informal training, such as industry events. Additionally, it could be helpful to connect potential new supervisors with mentors outside the organization to build confidence, increase problem-solving abilities, and gain new perspectives when issues arise.