What Do Followers Want? Insights from Gallup’s Global Leadership Report

Reported by: Nurul Addina Azime

Leadership is at the heart of modern life, shaping everything from governments to workplaces and even family dynamics. But what truly makes a great leader? The latest Gallup Global Leadership Report, based on surveys from 52 countries, reveals that followers universally seek hope, trust, compassion, and stability from their leaders. These qualities not only influence leadership effectiveness but also impact overall well-being.

Key Takeaways from the Report

✅Hope is the driving force behind effective leadership. Leaders who instill hope see higher engagement and satisfaction among their followers. This need is particularly strong among young people (ages 18-29) and in workplace settings.

✅Trust is essential for building lasting relationships. Leaders who prioritize transparency, fairness, and accountability earn stronger loyalty from their followers.

✅Leaders in the workplace play a significant role in people’s lives. Nearly 34% of employees named a workplace leader (manager, organizational leader, or colleague) as their most influential leader, almost as many as those who named a family member (44%).

✅Leadership influences well-being. People who identify their leaders as sources of hope are more likely to be thriving (38%) and less likely to be suffering (6%).

How Leaders Can Meet These Needs

Great leadership isn’t just about having a title. It’s about understanding and meeting the needs of followers. Here’s how leaders can integrate these insights into their leadership approach:

📌 Communicate a clear and inspiring vision – Help people see a brighter future and how they contribute to it.
📌 Demonstrate integrity and reliability – Be consistent, honest, and follow through on commitments.
📌Show empathy and care for people’s well-being – Understand the concerns of your team and create an environment of support.
📌 Provide structure and stability, especially in uncertain times – Be a steady presence that others can rely on.

Final Thoughts

In a rapidly changing world, strong leadership is more important than ever. Whether in politics, business, or personal life, the most impactful leaders are those who inspire hope, earn trust, show compassion, and provide stability. 

At 57Network Consultancy, leadership is more than just a role - it's about making a real difference in the lives of our clients, employees, and partners. As the Modern Work Management Specialist, we don't just offer solutions; we lead by example in empowering organizational efficacy through digital transformations. By integrating hope, trust, compassion, and stability into our work, we create lasting impact for businesses and individuals alike, inspiring joy at work. Connect with us today to drive organizational efficacy and restore joy at work for your team.

How does leadership influence your business success? Share your thoughts in the comments!

For more insights, read the full report here