What the World Needs From Leaders Today: Insights From Gallup’s Global Research
By Nexus Search Partners
In a moment where leadership is being tested on every front—from market volatility to cultural transformation—a February report from Gallup offers critical clarity on what followers truly need. Drawing from responses across 52 countries and over 72,000 individuals, the research distills leadership down to four universal needs: hope, trust, compassion, and stability.
The most dominant? Hope—accounting for 56% of all leadership traits mentioned.
This insight is more than an interesting statistic. It points to a core truth: in times of change or challenge, the best leaders are those who help people see a path forward—and believe in it.
Why Hope Matters in Leadership
Gallup defines hope as the belief that the future will be better and that there’s a plan to get there. In the workplace, that translates to leaders who communicate vision, inspire optimism, and provide clarity amid complexity.
The data shows a clear connection between hope and wellbeing. Among people who did not associate hope with their leaders, just 33% reported thriving in life. That number jumped to 38% when hope was present—and even higher when combined with trust and stability. Suffering also dropped from 9% to just 6%.
In short: hopeful leadership isn’t aspirational—it’s actionable. And it directly impacts how people show up at work, engage with their teams, and contribute to outcomes.
Trust, Compassion, and Stability Still Count
While hope led the findings, trust (33%) remains foundational. Followers look for leaders who are dependable, clear, and ethical. Compassion (7%) and stability (4%) round out the list—important reminders that psychological safety, empathy, and consistency are still essential in a high-performance culture.
Organizations investing in leadership development may want to ask: How are we equipping our leaders to show up in these ways? And how are we reinforcing those behaviors at every level of leadership?
This is where emotional intelligence in leaders becomes crucial—not just as a desirable trait, but as a capability tied directly to employee engagement and cultural health.
What This Means for Organizations
Whether you’re hiring new executives, scaling leadership across teams, or navigating transformation, this research is a call to reconsider what leadership success looks like.
It’s no longer just about technical expertise or strategic credentials. The leaders who will have the most meaningful and sustainable impact are those who:
Offer clarity and direction during ambiguity
Foster trust through consistency and transparency
Prioritize emotional intelligence alongside performance metrics
Cultivate a sense of shared purpose and optimism
These aren’t just competencies for today—they represent the future of work leadership traits that will define high-performing organizations in the years ahead.
Leading With Intention
Gallup’s research doesn’t offer a quick fix—it offers a framework. One that challenges organizations to align leadership with human needs, not just business objectives. In doing so, companies have a better chance of unlocking performance, building culture, and navigating complexity with greater confidence.
The takeaway? Hope isn’t a buzzword. It’s a leadership imperative.
Let’s Find the Right Leader for Your Organization
Are you ready to find leaders who will transform your organization? Contact Nexus Search Partners today to learn more about our unique approach to executive search and leadership advisory.