Evolution: Recruit, Develop, Improve

What Do “Followers” Really Want?

The Gallup organization recently released a global leadership report which our team found fascinating.

The report entitled, “What Followers Want” shares research-backed data that provides a unique look into what our colleagues and teammates need and want from their leaders – today.

If you have heard the old adage, “People don’t leave companies, they leave managers” you know why this information is so important.

Whether you are a leader of people today or aspire to be one in the future, there are really good takeaways in this report.

We are highlighting the top five items for you below:

1. These are the leaders that make the biggest difference in people’s lives:
   • Family members – 57% of respondents indicated that it was a family member who had the most positive influence on their life. Family matters and should be a priority. Don’t ever underestimate the impact you have within your family.
   • Managers in the workplace – 11% of respondents. Think what you say or do doesn’t matter to your team? 1 out of 10 people cite you, their manager, as their key influencer.

2. Here is what “followers” said they need from their leaders:
   • Hope – The need to feel positive about the future and for leaders to provide a 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.

Consider what these qualities mean to you and your colleagues. How do YOU exemplify them in your day-to-day interactions?

3. The top items people said they need from their leaders:
   • 64% of respondents said they need to see hope from those who lead their organizations. If you are leading your organization, this should be your number one goal.
   • 33% of respondents said their most important need was trust. What are you doing each day to build honesty, respect, and integrity with your team? Your followers are asking for this.

4. Followers look to the most senior-level member of their organization to provide clear direction and positivity about the future. While managers and colleagues were also cited as leaders who should inspire hope, the findings were clear that an organization’s champion for hope needs to be its most senior leader.

Looking to advance your career? Aspiring to lead your organization someday? Begin to hone in on and practice developing your skills as a “hope doctor.”

5. In their “Playbook for Good Leadership,” the Gallup findings reveal that there are three simple things leaders need to know to be successful:
   • Know the needs of their followers.
   • Know themselves.
   • Know the demands of the role.

When was the last time you stopped to thoughtfully consider your effectiveness as a leader through these lenses? These simple insights will have a profound effect on your success.

We are leadership junkies at Welsh & Associates. We believe everyone has the potential to be a great leader in whatever role they are called to play.

We hope that we’ve inspired and encouraged you to be the absolute best leader you can be in whatever capacity you serve.

Be sure to tell us what you think of Gallup’s findings and how they have helped you!