What do people really want from leaders?
People have a lot of needs. There’s a lot of heaviness and tension in the world right now. I notice it in so many conversations. From global tensions, rising costs, and the strain our planet is under. Many of us are carrying a mercurial sense of uncertainty into the future.
There’s a lot of needs out there. Which means there’s a lot of pressure and expectations on the leaders of people right now.
What’s the best advice to give to leaders right now? There’s a lot of advice and suggestions out there, probably far too much. Many leaders out there don’t need any more advice, they need to be asked better questions (that’s why coaching is so helpful).
How can you create more HOPE in your workplace?
If you’re a leader, how are you showing up at your work and with your team? Do you have the opportunity to use your strengths every day in your work? Are you open to new perspectives?
How are you offering hope to others for the future we’re walking into? I’m noticing that leaders who seem to be thriving right now are those that are leading collectively, not individually. They’re able to see a future that’s one worth looking forward to.
Some hope-full research
Some recent global research from Gallup surveyed 30,000 adults across 52 countries. They found that hope now outranks every other leadership trait that people want – ahead of trust, compassion, and even stability. Many leaders I speak to think their teams need more stability. Actually, they probably just need more hope. The ‘need of hope’ has been over-taken by the need of ‘trust’ since the last time this research was conducted 10 years ago. I think that’s saying something.
- 56% of people say they want hope from leaders (and more so in the Asia-Pacific region at 59%).
- Only 44% say the same about their own friends or family*
*Personally, I find this insight super alarming!
There’s a lot more insightful evidence in Gallup’s report if you want to have a read.
How can leaders survive thrive in their roles and best support the needs of their team?
Hopeful leaders help people thrive, especially in uncertainty. They cast an aspirational future but also one that’s believable, not BS. They help people notice progress. They adapt their tone and pace to the moment and meet people where they’re at and help them get to where they want to be. They think collectively, not individually.
Hope isn’t fluffy. It’s grounded. It’s emotionally intelligent. And it’s action-oriented. I loved this quote from Gallup’s report:
“Hope is the belief that the future will be better than the present and that people feel empowered to make it so. If a leader does not create a sense of hope and help people see the way forward, chances are, no one else will either.”
Definition of Hope (noun): a feeling of wanting and expecting a particular thing to happen; something that you wish for. Example: ‘There is now hope of a cure.’
I like think of HOPE as being a simple formula like this one:
HOPE = sum of aspirations + possible pathways + momentum to keep going.
So, what about you?
- What are you hoping for at the moment?
- What aspirations or goals do you have – for your work as well as your personal life?
- What’s in your control vs. outside of your control?
- What choices are you able to make? Can you visualise the possible pathways that you could go down?
- What do you need to get started? A catalyst, a butt-kicker, or some gentle encouragement?
- What will help you keep going? (ditto – catalyst, butt-kicker, encouragement?)
Are you playing to your strengths in your work or not playing at all?
If you’re leading others: How are you inspiring HOPE in your workplace?
Jackie DeShannon’s “What the World Needs Now Is Love” Hope!