Small and medium businesses have found the going tough in the last year, and it is up to the leaders to pull their employees through to 2012, according to a new report.

The 2011 RogenSi Global Mindset Index (GMI) report describes SMBs (fewer than 100 employees) as the ‘engine room’ of most of the world’s economies. Unfortunately, the engine is in need of some TLC.

"Compared to their bigger multi-national counterparts, small business leaders and employees anticipate a tough road ahead as they work hard to recover and regain strength into 2012,” the report reads.

"It is therefore vital that leaders of these organisations are very clear about their direction for the future (vision and strategy) while being certain about their organisations’ value proposition within the marketplace.

"They should also ensure that all team members, no matter what position or status, are in-tune and on board with the vision and strategy, and see the role that they play in the organisation as positive and beneficial.”

Specifically, only one in 11 people surveyed claimed their leaders were creating a work environment they found motivational, the report says.

"The role of the leader is to mobilise others to deliver the results that create value... this is not about the leader delivering the results, but embracing the people that will need to be mobilised to make it happen.”

There are advantages for SMBs in the current market, the report adds, with volatility benefitting organisations that can adapt quickly.

"Now, more than ever, these businesses should be utilising this capacity and position themselves for positive and sustained performance on the road ahead.”

The report is based on surveys from 1200 employees around the world, across all continents and industry sectors. Go here to read the full report.