The Importance of HOPE in Leadership: Insights from Gallup’s Global Leadership Report 2025

” One of the key roles of a great leader is to inspire hope in their people. When people have hope, they naturally become much more engaged “

Atip Muangsuwan
CEO Coach and Coach Supervisor

In the ever-evolving landscape of leadership, understanding the needs of followers is paramount. Gallup’s Global Leadership Report: What Followers Want offers a deep dive into this subject, revealing a surprising yet critical finding. Based on a comprehensive study involving 30,000 individuals across 52 countries, the report highlights that “HOPE” has emerged as the top leadership need, surpassing trust, compassion, and stability.

The Significance of HOPE

In a world once defined by VUCA (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, Ambiguity), and then characterized by BANI (Brittle, Anxious, Nonlinear, Incomprehensible) and now RUPT (Rapid, Unpredictable, Paradoxical, Tangled) conditions, the need for HOPE has never been more pronounced. People crave a positive outlook towards the future, a sense of certainty that life is worth living and striving for. HOPE provides this indirect sense of certainty, a beacon that guides individuals through turbulent times.

Why Great Leaders Must Inspire HOPE

Great leaders understand the power of HOPE. They know that their ability to create and inspire HOPE in their people is essential for maintaining morale, productivity, and a forward-looking attitude. HOPE suggests that there is something to look forward to, a future worth working towards. It instills a belief that despite challenges, there is a path to success and fulfillment.

Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States, is a prime example of a leader who inspired hope. His campaign slogan, “Change we can believe in,” resonated with millions of people who were eager for a new direction. Throughout his presidency, Obama emphasized inclusivity, resilience, and optimism, encouraging people to believe in a better future.

Similarly, Jacinda Ardern, the former Prime Minister of New Zealand, has been widely praised for her empathetic and hopeful leadership. During her tenure, she has navigated crises with a focus on unity and compassion, inspiring hope in her citizens even during challenging times.

Another notable example is Nelson Mandela. His unwavering commitment to justice and equality, even after spending 27 years in prison, inspired millions around the world to believe in the possibility of a better future.

Martin Luther King Jr. is perhaps one of the most iconic examples of a leader who embodied HOPE. His “I Have a Dream” speech is a timeless expression of his vision for a better, more just world. King’s ability to inspire hope through his words and actions galvanized a movement and left an enduring legacy of optimism and change.

The Role of Coaching in Fostering HOPE

Executive and leadership coaching play a vital role in helping leaders develop the skill to inspire HOPE. Coaching provides leaders with the tools and insights needed to foster a hopeful environment within their organizations. By focusing on positive outcomes, resilience, and strategic vision, coaching helps leaders navigate the complexities of modern leadership and build a culture of HOPE.

If you aspire to be a leader who can inspire HOPE and drive your organization towards a brighter future, consider engaging in executive and leadership coaching.

Let’s connect and discuss how personalized coaching sessions can help you develop this crucial skill and meet the evolving needs of your followers.

About Atip Muangsuwan: Atip Muangsuwan is the Founder & CEO of The Best Coach International Co., Ltd. He is a CEO & UHNWI Coach, Certified Mentor & Supervisor for global executive coaches, Holistic Life Transformation Expert, Business & Life Strategist, and Corporate Facilitator/Trainer. With a proven track record of helping clients achieve their career goals and job promotions, Atip is dedicated to supporting individuals in their personal and professional growth.