Insight

If you’re in a leadership role today, chances are you’re navigating more complexity than ever: hybrid teams, economic pressure, shifting priorities, and rising expectations around purpose and wellbeing.

However, while the world of work has evolved, Gallup’s latest report reminds us of something that remains unchanged — what employees need most from their leaders. And it’s not ping pong tables, office perks, or even more flexible hours (though those things certainly help).

At the core, your team needs:

1. Trust

Trust is the foundation of any high-performing team. It’s about consistency, honesty, and integrity — doing what you say you’ll do. When trust is present, people feel safe taking risks, speaking up, and bringing their whole selves to work. When it’s lacking? You’ll see silence, second-guessing, and disengagement.

Leaders build trust through transparency, follow-through, and fairness — especially when the pressure is on.

2. Compassion

This one is often misunderstood as softness. But compassion is strength. It's knowing your people as individuals, understanding their challenges, and supporting their wellbeing. The best leaders balance performance expectations with human understanding — and it’s no longer optional.

Gallup’s research shows a clear link between compassionate leadership and higher engagement, lower burnout, and stronger retention.

3. Stability

Uncertainty is a productivity killer. Even when things are changing (and they always are), leaders who provide a sense of stability — through clear communication, measured decision-making, and calm leadership — help their teams focus and perform.

Stability isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about anchoring your team in what is known, what’s not, and what comes next.

4. Hope

People want to know there’s something worth striving for. They want to believe in the future of the company — and their place in it. Hope gives people direction, motivation, and meaning.

Leaders cultivate hope by communicating vision, celebrating wins (no matter how small), and reinforcing progress even through setbacks.

What Happens When These Needs Are Met?

Teams don’t just feel better — they perform better. Gallup’s data shows that when employees strongly agree that their leaders meet these four needs, key metrics skyrocket: productivity, loyalty, innovation, and retention all improve.

The kicker? Most organisations are under-delivering. Leaders may think they’re ticking these boxes, but employee sentiment says otherwise.

How to Lead With These 4 Pillars in Mind

You don’t need a full cultural overhaul to start making an impact. Try this:

• Audit your leadership behaviours. Are you consistent, fair, present, and future-focussed?
• Check in with your team. Not just about work, but about how they’re doing.
• Communicate often — and honestly. Even if the news isn’t perfect, clarity builds stability and trust.
• Celebrate progress. It builds momentum and creates belief in what’s ahead.
  

Final Thought

Being a great leader today doesn’t mean having all the answers. It means showing up with clarity, care, consistency, and vision. And the good news? These are skills anyone can build.

If you lead people — even just one — a flick through the full Gallup report might be valuable.

🔗 Trust, stability, compassion, hope — easier to say than to hire for.
That’s where we come in. EGC connects businesses with leaders who not only get results but bring out the best in people.


Let’s build your next great team: Get in touch.