What Leaders Need to Focus on in 2025: Key Insights from Gallup
Leadership in 2025 is all about meeting the evolving needs of followers. Gallup’s latest Global Leadership Report, based on surveys of over 30,000 adults across 52 countries, reveals that hope & trust are the two most critical needs followers have from their leaders. Combined, they account for 80% of all responses—a striking indication of what leaders must prioritize.
Hope: The #1 Leadership Need Worldwide
Hope stands out as the dominant leadership need, with 56% of all attributes linked to influential leaders centered on this theme. Followers seek a clear, optimistic future, & leaders who inspire hope empower their teams to overcome challenges & aim for growth. This need is especially pronounced among younger generations, with 57% of respondents aged 18-29 highlighting hope as essential.
Leaders can foster hope by:
Inspiring a compelling vision for the future
Encouraging growth, learning, & development
Providing reassurance during uncertain times
As Gallup states, “Hope is the belief that the future will be better than the present & that people feel empowered to make it so.” Without hope, engagement dwindles, & morale suffers.
Trust: The Foundation of Leadership
Trust, mentioned by 33% of respondents, is the bedrock of effective leadership. It encompasses honesty, integrity, & reliability—qualities that foster collaboration, open communication, & psychological safety within teams. Gallup highlights that trust is fundamental to human relationships & is crucial for team success.
Leaders can build trust by:
Communicating transparently & consistently
Acting with integrity & keeping commitments
Encouraging collaboration & teamwork
Compassion & Stability: Supporting Needs
While hope & trust lead the pack, compassion & stability also play significant roles. Compassion (7%) involves emotional intelligence, support, & genuine care for team members, while stability (4%) provides a sense of security, structure, & accountability. Together, these four needs form the pillars of impactful leadership.
Action Steps for Leaders in 2025
Gallup’s report outlines a clear leadership action plan:
Know the Needs of Your Followers: Ask your team what they need from you as a leader. Simple questions like, “What leader has the most positive influence on your daily life, & what three words describe what they contribute?” can offer profound insights.
Focus on Creating Hope & Building Trust: Prioritize initiatives that inspire optimism & foster reliable, honest relationships.
Know Yourself: Identify your strengths, develop your leadership brand, & lead authentically.
At The Perk, we offer workshops & coaching to help leaders meet these needs, including our Trust by Design framework & Hope in Action training. If you're looking to enhance your leadership in 2025, we’re here to help you create hope, build trust, & lead with confidence.
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