To further set the foundation for what follows we need to consider management as leaders (as that is what they need to be if company longevity is to be given a chance). As we learn in Training Within Industry ‘Job Relations’, by simple definition of the word ‘leader’, leaders should have followers. A leader is not so if people are not following, simple! This begs the question of ‘what does a person need from a leader if they are to follow?’
Dave Hyem (retired Boeing President) recently sent me the Gallup Leadership Report titled ‘What Followers Want’. This immediately struck a chord with me because it is a start to defining what the ‘customer’ (the follower) needs. ‘Start with the end in mind …’ The ‘end’ fundamentally for a leader is to have people follow. Page 13 of the report contains the quote ‘To be effective, leaders need to know what is expected of them.’
Here’s the executive summary from the report.
‘Gallup’s latest study, based on surveys conducted in 52 countries, builds on decades of our research into what people need from their leaders. More than anything, the data confirm that followers need a sense of hope from their leaders. Trust is the second most important need, followed by compassion, then stability. These four needs are consistent, irrespective of country, demographics or the type of leader in question. These needs are also linked to wellbeing: The more needs leaders meet these needs the more suffering is reduced.
Two of the key findings in the report are:
- Hope is the primary need of followers around the world. Over half (56%) of all attributes linked to influential leaders in daily life speak to the theme of hope – far outdistancing the next most important need of trust (33%). (Note, these two cover 89% of the distribution.)
- Leaders in the world of work have a huge capacity to improve the lives of others. Those employed by an employer are only slightly less likely to name someone from their work environment (34%) as they are to name a family member (44%) as the leader who has the biggest positive impact on their lives.
The extensive data in the report is derived from two simple questions:
- What leader has the most positive influence in your daily life?
- Now, please list three words that best describe what this person contributes to your life.
As is stated on the same page of the report, these questions focus on substance rather than a description of leadership style. I liked this notion as perhaps there is no point in having the ‘right’ style if there’s no substance.
The four needs (derived from grouping answers to question 2 above) starting with the highest are defined as follows:
Hope: The need to feel positive about the future and for leaders to provide clear direction.
Trust: The need for honesty, respect and integrity.
Compassion: The need to feel cared about and listened to.
Stability: The need for psychological safety and secure foundations during times of uncertainty.
The report is well worth a read and will take about 20 minutes. To access it please go to https://www.gallup.com/analytics/656315/leadership-needs-of-followers.aspx. (You need to subscribe which is well worthwhile.) I do have the report so if you’d prefer, please email me (oscar@vwaust.com) requesting it and I’ll provide it.