Gallup's Global Leadership Report Reveals Key Qualities Followers Seek From Leaders

Gallup has unveiled its "Global Leadership Report: What Followers Want" at the World Governments Summit 2025. The study highlights that followers globally desire trust, compassion, and stability from leaders, with hope being the most sought-after quality. This report was shared during the summit themed 'Shaping Future Governments'.

The research, a collaboration between Gallup and the World Governments Summit, suggests that leaders can greatly enhance others' wellbeing by embodying these essential qualities. This study is unique in its extensive examination of followers' needs worldwide.

Participants from 52 countries, representing a significant portion of the global adult population and GDP, were surveyed. They were asked to identify leaders who positively influenced their lives and describe three qualities that made these leaders impactful.

The findings revealed that hope emerged as the top quality among influential leaders, cited in over half of all responses. Trust followed as the second most important trait. The consistency of these core qualities across different leaders was notable.

The study highlighted that hope is particularly crucial for young adults aged 18 to 29 in the Asia-Pacific region and within organisational contexts. Leaders who exhibit these qualities can reduce suffering among followers.

Among respondents who did not view hope as vital, 33 percent were thriving, while 9 percent were suffering. Conversely, those who valued hope showed a higher thriving rate at 38 percent and a lower suffering rate at 6 percent.

Influence of Workplace Leaders

Workplace leaders have significant potential to impact lives positively. The report noted that 34 percent of employed individuals identified someone from their work environment as most influential, compared to 44 percent who named family members.

Around 18 percent mentioned a work-related leader, including managers (11 percent), organisational leaders (5 percent), and colleagues (2 percent). Employees are more likely to cite workplace figures as influential than those not working for an employer.

This comprehensive study underscores the importance of hope in leadership and its positive effects on individuals' wellbeing across diverse regions and demographics.

With inputs from WAM