Leading with Hope: The Most Urgent Need in Leadership Today

This week, I’ve been attending the virtual Global Gallup Strengths Conference—and it’s been nothing short of inspiring. The insights and research shared by Gallup’s leaders have sparked deep reflection, especially one session that stood out to me: the discussion on what followers need from their leaders. 

It was immediately clear that this would be the focus of my blog over the coming weeks. 

Gallup’s research, conducted across 52 countries, identifies four consistent needs that followers—whether employees, students, voters, or team members—look for in their leaders: hope, trust, compassion, and stability. These findings transcend borders, demographics, and cultures. They provide a universal framework for effective leadership, applicable across various sectors and structures—whether political, corporate, nonprofit, or academic. In short, this global leadership report is a must-read for any organization serious about developing meaningful leadership capacity. 

This week, I’m starting with hope, the most dominant of the four needs. 

According to Gallup: 

  • 56% of desired leadership attributes globally relate to hope. 
  • 64% of followers say they need to see hope from their organizational leaders. 
  • Only 33% believe they can thrive without a hopeful leader. 

When I read that hope encompasses belief in a purpose, a positive future, and a clear path forward—even in times of uncertainty—it hit home. In today’s climate, it’s no surprise that hope stands out as the most urgent need. People are craving something steady to hold onto: a sense that even through twists and turns, there is direction, meaning, and ultimately, that things will be okay. 

As someone who has built a career around helping individuals and organizations uncover and live their purpose, this research reinforces a fundamental truth: we need leaders to lead. And that starts with understanding and communicating why you’re doing what you’re doing. What is your collective purpose? What is your organizational “why”? 

More importantly, are you living it? 

It’s not enough to write a purpose statement and hope others pick it up by osmosis. Leaders must embody it—communicate it clearly and consistently. And while it may feel easier to focus on operations and deliverables, hope lives in the why. It’s your job to help others see it too. 

Hope doesn’t mean sugarcoating reality. Especially in sectors like post-secondary education where layoffs and program cuts are happening, leaders still need to offer hope. That might mean outlining a future vision, being honest about what’s ahead, and doing difficult things—like letting people go—with grace and humanity. When people leave your organization, hope shouldn’t leave with them. Help them transition. Support their next step. Acknowledge their contributions, and help them see their value beyond your walls. 

When you unpack the concept of hope, it inevitably includes a future state. Your people need to see where the organization is heading. What’s the vision? What’s the North Star? It’s your responsibility to define it—and to help others see how their work connects to it. Because when people understand the bigger picture, their daily tasks become more than a checklist. They become part of something that matters. 

 
If you are someone who is looking for your next hopeful career (or know someone who is), here is this week’s Hive Roundup, buzzing with opportunities in career education, experiential learning, and student success from coast to coast. Whether you’re looking for your next leadership role or a meaningful way to support student development, there’s something here for you. Here’s what’s open across Canada this week: 
 
NS 
Project Manager, Women’s Leadership & ENGAGE (2 Yr. Term) 
St. FX 
Apply here 
Closes: April 25, 2025 

QC 
Coordinator, Employability (1867) 
Concordia 
Apply here 
Closes: April 2, 2025 

NB 
Career and Professional Development Program Manager 
University of New Brunswick (UNB) 
Apply here 
Closes: March 28, 2025 

ON 
Practicum Assistant (TERM, 80% FTE) 
University of Toronto – St. George 
Apply here 
Closes: January 25, 2004 (Note: Posting may need updating) 

Program Administrator, Student Development & Career Programming (SDCP) 
University of Toronto – St. George 
Apply here 
Closes: March 31, 2025 

Academic and Career Advisor 
Queen’s University 
Apply here 
Closes: March 27, 2025 

Senior Director, Student Conduct and Care 
Queen’s University 
Apply here 
Closes: April 20, 2025 

Experiential Partnerships Specialist 
Northeastern University (Toronto) 
Apply here 
No closing date provided 

Director, External Affairs 
Sprott School of Business, Carleton University 
Apply here 
Closes: March 26, 2025 

Co-op Specialist 
University of Ottawa 
Apply here 
Closes: March 31, 2025 

Administrative & Placement Assistant (Term) 
Lakehead University (Orillia) 
Apply here 
Closes: April 1, 2025 

Employment Services Consultant 
Georgian College 
Apply here 
Closes: March 30, 2025 

Employment Consultant – Chelmsford (Term) 
Cambrian College 
Apply here 
Closes: March 31, 2025 

MB 
Academic and Career Advisor 
The University of Winnipeg 
Apply here 
Closes: April 2, 2025 

SASK 
Director, Graduate Advanced Training and Entrepreneurship (GATE) Centre 
University of Regina 
Apply here 
Closes: March 27, 2025 

AB 
WIL Lead 
University of Alberta 
Apply here 
Closes: March 31, 2025 

Manager, Master’s & Executive Education Office 
University of Alberta 
Apply here 
Closes: April 11, 2025 

Manager, Field Experience 
University of Alberta 
Apply here 
Closes: June 11, 2025 

BC 
Vice President, Student Experience 
University Canada West 
Apply here 
No closing date provided 

Employment Services Centre Sustainment & Resource Assistant 
College of New Caledonia 
Apply here 
Closes: April 1, 2025