Leadership isn't just about authority - it’s about trust, support, and the ability to inspire. Gallup’s recent Global Leadership Report: What Followers Want highlights what people worldwide truly seek from leaders. Across 52 countries, four key traits emerged as essential for effective leadership: hope, trust, compassion, and stability.

Hope: The Foundation of Great Leadership

The most frequently cited leadership trait - by a wide margin - is hope. Hope accounts for 56% of all attributes tied to positive leadership, far surpassing trust (33%), compassion (7%), and stability (4%). When leaders provide hope, they create a sense of possibility, direction, and confidence in the future.

Data shows that when people associate hope with their leaders, their overall well-being improves. Thriving - measured by how positively people rate their current and future lives - rises from 33% to 38% when hope is present, while suffering declines from 9% to 6%. This demonstrates the profound impact hope has on engagement, motivation, and performance.

Trust: The Cornerstone of Reliability

Trust is the foundation of any successful leader-follower relationship. Leaders who are honest, transparent, and consistent in their actions build credibility and foster a culture of engagement.

Research shows that when employees trust their leaders, one in two are engaged, compared to just one in twelve when trust is lacking. Trustworthy leaders create an environment where employees feel safe to share ideas, take risks, and collaborate effectively.

Compassion: Leading with Empathy

Compassion in leadership means recognising employees as individuals beyond their job roles. Leaders who show genuine care and empathy build stronger connections, leading to increased morale and loyalty.

When employees feel valued and supported, retention improves, and they become more motivated to contribute their best work. A culture of compassion fosters teamwork, enhances communication, and creates a more fulfilling workplace experience.

Stability: Creating Confidence in Uncertain Times

In a rapidly changing business landscape, stability is crucial for maintaining employee confidence and productivity. Leaders who provide clear direction, consistent communication, and a sense of security help teams navigate uncertainty effectively.

Employees who believe in their company’s financial stability are nine times more likely to be engaged at work. Stability reassures employees that they can focus on their roles without fear of sudden disruptions, fostering long-term commitment and organisational success.

The Link Between Leadership and Performance

Gallup’s research reaffirms that leadership directly influences employee engagement, productivity, and retention. Leaders who provide hope, trust, compassion, and stability create workplaces where people not only stay but thrive. The most successful leaders understand their strengths, lean into them, and apply them to meet these core needs.

Leadership for the Future

As businesses navigate AI-driven changes, market shifts, and evolving workforce expectations, leadership must remain people-centric. Understanding and meeting the fundamental needs of followers isn’t just a leadership strategy - it’s a business imperative.

Kaliba is a search and recruitment firm dedicated to the recruitment of executive and specialist professionals working in tech and IT sales. If you're looking for leaders who drive performance and business success, get in touch with us today.



Kaliba is a specialist executive search and recruitment agency, connecting leaders with the companies shaping the future of technology. Follow us on LinkedIn for more great news and insights.