The worst traits that small business bosses can exhibit during the recession are hiding the extent of problems, making problems appear worse than they are and being distant with staff, according to a survey of SMEs by XLN Telecom.

The survey of over 400 small and medium-sized firms also revealed that the next worst traits are cancelling promised pay rises and bonuses and driving around in a luxury car.

Despite the recession 66% of staff reported that the mood in their office was unchanged and 22% reported that the mood was ‘upbeat'. Only 12% of employees described the mood in their office as ‘depressing'.

"Employees are the greatest - and often most under-used - asset a business has when it comes to finding ideas to tackle the challenges facing a business. By being open and inclusive with staff, a real winning spirit can be quickly engendered turning tough times into truly winning times," said Anthony Karibian of XLN Telecom.