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