When I took over the leadership of a team that was in disarray—struggling to deliver the required service and lacking support and respect—I knew something had to change. I turned to appreciative inquiry and positive psychology to instill hope. One of the initiatives I introduced was the creation of a "positivity door." Every day, the team wrote three post-it notes with something they were thankful for. At first, some were skeptical, but over time, this small act of gratitude became a cornerstone of our turnaround. It shifted our mindset, built resilience, and strengthened our culture of support and recognition.
Furthermore, we began to define what we wanted to achieve and the service we aspired to be known for. We focused on what we were already doing well and found ways to amplify those strengths to drive continuous improvement. This strengths-based approach not only boosted individual performance, self-awareness, and ownership but also fostered a culture of innovation and collective growth rooted in intentionality.
This experience reinforced what I later learned through my MSc in Positive Psychology and my certifications as a Systemic Coach, Gallup Strengths Coach and a facilitator in Extraordinary Teams. Without hope, leadership lacks direction. The way a leader impacts the energy of those around them is crucial. Encouraging hope through developmental feedback, clear communication, and a strengths-based approach is essential.
Recent Gallup research across 52 countries highlights that the four key leadership needs of followers—hope, trust, compassion, and stability—are universal and enduring, even in an ever-changing world. Of these, hope stands out as the most essential. Over half (56%) of the attributes linked to influential leaders in daily life relate to the theme of hope. Hope motivates people by giving them something to look forward to, helping them overcome challenges, and building resilience. Without it, confidence fades, and engagement suffers.
What Gallup’s Research Reveals
Gallup’s global research boiled leadership impact down to two key questions:
Which leader has the most positive influence on your daily life?
What three words best describe what this person contributes to your life?
The most frequently used words to describe these influential leaders were all connected to hope—words like inspiring, optimistic, uplifting. The research showed that followers who perceive their leaders as hopeful are not only more engaged but also more likely to thrive. In contrast, those lacking this sense of hope in leadership tend to experience greater stress and lower well-being.
This research makes one thing clear: Hope isn’t just an abstract concept. It’s a tangible driver of both individual and collective success.
Why Hope Matters in Leadership
1. A Beacon in Uncertain Times
In moments of crisis or rapid change, hope acts as a guiding light. Leaders who radiate hope provide their teams with a sense of purpose and direction. They remind us that, despite challenges, a better future is attainable.
2. Fueling Resilience and Engagement
Hopeful leaders create environments where individuals feel empowered to face adversity head-on. When leaders instill hope, they encourage creativity, perseverance, and a proactive attitude—fostering psychological safety and innovation.
3. Enhancing Well-being
Gallup’s findings show that hope is directly linked to well-being. Followers who experience hopeful leadership report higher satisfaction and are less likely to suffer from burnout. Hope isn’t just optimism—it’s a strategic tool for sustaining motivation and well-being.
4. Building Trust and Authenticity
Hopeful leaders are often seen as genuine and trustworthy. Their optimism isn’t about ignoring reality—it’s about creating a realistic vision of a better future. This authenticity helps build strong, trust-based relationships between leaders and their teams.
What Do People Need Most from Leaders?
At its core, leadership is about meeting the needs of people—helping them grow, overcome challenges, and reach their full potential. The Gallup study reminds us that what people need most from leaders isn’t just competence or strategic acumen, but a deep, resonant sense of hope. When leaders embody hope, they unlock a powerful force that transforms obstacles into opportunities and uncertainty into possibility.
For those in leadership roles, this is both a challenge and an opportunity. By cultivating and radiating hope, you can make a profound difference—not only in the performance of your teams but also in the overall well-being of those you lead.
Start Leading with Hope Today
Now is the time to bring more hope into your own leadership practice. Consider these questions:
What messages of hope are you sharing with your team?
How can you inspire optimism even during challenging times?
What opportunities for growth can you highlight in the face of current obstacles?
Take Action This Week
Choose one simple action to inspire optimism in your team this week:
Send a thoughtful message or email – Highlight progress and future opportunities to uplift your team.
Host a brief meeting – Discuss a positive vision for the upcoming quarter and align on collective goals.
Identify three ways to foster hope in your organization – Then act on one today.
Hopeful leadership is a choice. Every day, you have the opportunity to inspire, uplift, and guide others toward a brighter future.
Empowering Your Leadership – That’s Our Passion.
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