It feels like the world is evolving at ever greater speed, with major global events being at the forefront of our minds for at least the last 5 years, from pandemics to regional conflicts and major political events affecting our daily lives. It’s at times like these that leaders come to the fore. Whether leaders of nations or workplaces, they need to understand what their followers need from them. Gallup’s recent Global Leadership Report sheds some light on this very topic, revealing the four fundamental needs of followers: hope, trust, compassion, and stability.
Hope: The Cornerstone of Leadership
Hope emerges as the most critical need for followers worldwide. Gallup’s research indicates that over half of all attributes linked to influential leaders pertain to hope. This need is particularly emphasised among younger generations, and organisational leaders. Hope provides followers with a positive outlook on the future, enabling them to navigate challenges and, regardless of what the current situation may be, believe that there is a brighter future ahead.
Trust: Building Strong Relationships
Surprisingly (for me at least) trust is only the second most important need, accounting for 33% of all positive leadership attributes mentioned. Followers seek honesty, respect, and integrity from their leaders. Trust in your leader gives you the belief that their decisions are being made for the right reasons. For a business leader, trust can also engender a closer relationship with their staff and give them psychological security. This could be the difference between someone in their team speaking up with a great idea that could make (or save) the business thousands of £s per year or keeping it to themselves as they don’t have trust in the leadership to give it due consideration.
Compassion: Showing Genuine Care
Compassion, though less frequently mentioned than hope and trust, remains a vital need for followers. Leaders who demonstrate compassion show that they care about their followers’ well-being and are willing to listen and support them. This emotional connection fosters loyalty and a sense of belonging among followers. This can allow team members to feel ‘safe’ confiding in their leader about a problem they are facing. The leader may not be able to solve the problem. But an understanding of it could explain an unusual drop in an individual’s productivity or another issue that was previously unexplained.
Stability: A Calm in the Storm
Stability may be the least mentioned of the four needs, but it’s no less vital. In fact, it often becomes most noticeable when it’s absent. In times of uncertainty, followers look to their leaders for a sense of psychological safety — something, or someone, they can rely on when everything else feels up in the air. A leader who can provide that stability doesn’t just offer reassurance; they provide a steady hand that helps others stay grounded and focused. It’s this sense of calm that allows people to do their best work, even when the world around them feels unpredictable.
A Truly Global Picture
What makes Gallup’s findings so compelling is the sheer scale of the research — over 30,000 adults across 52 countries took part. And while cultures and contexts may differ, what people need from their leaders remains remarkably consistent. Hope, trust, compassion, and stability show up time and again — just weighted slightly differently depending on region and demographic. For example, hope seems to shine especially brightly in the Asia-Pacific region and among younger generations. But ultimately, wherever you are in the world, these four needs form the core of what followers look for.
Final Thoughts
If the last few years have taught us anything, it’s that strong, human-centred leadership matters. Gallup’s Global Leadership Report doesn’t just give us food for thought — it provides a roadmap. A reminder that, regardless of sector, scale or setting, people want the same things from their leaders: hope for the future, trust in their actions, compassion in their interactions, and stability when times are tough. If leaders can keep these four needs in mind, they stand a far better chance of not only leading well — but making a lasting difference.