Odgers Berndtson finds a boost in confidence in business leadership

The study – which surveyed 1,100 business executives – was conducted in conjunction with global research and advisory firm Forrester.

This joint Index reveals 42% of business executives across a spectrum of sectors and geographies, are confident their organizations are being led by the right leaders.

Leadership Confidence Index 2022

Has confidence in global leadership changed over the last two years?

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Two years ago, we published our first Leadership Confidence Index, which at the time found just 24% of executives were confident in their company’s leadership.

In the 2022 Index report, the majority of respondents (90%) stated that their organizations had been impacted by disruption while also reporting their organizations experienced growth (71%). We believe the findings are reflective of more leaders than expected successfully navigating their organizations through the disruption of the pandemic.

The Index also reveals several trends that have played a role in this increased confidence. Technology, the adoption of which grew significantly during the pandemic, is increasingly viewed as an enabler rather than a disruptor. 44% of executives now see it as a disruptive force; a reduction from 62% two years ago.

Strong ESG and I&D became hallmarks of successful organizations during COVID-19, and the Index shows that an overwhelming majority (87%) of executives believe their businesses have made positive changes in these areas.

Most (88%) are also confident in their leadership’s ability to keep improving in these areas.   

The majority (79%) of executives also believe the level of disruption will either increase or maintain at the same pace. Of all the C-level positions, the role perceived as the most important in successfully managing this disruption was, categorically (85%), the CEO.

It is clear the pandemic provided a litmus test for leaders’ capabilities and more than anticipated performed well and inspired confidence. Yet the Index also shows a large proportion of executives (44%) still believe their leaders performed either fair or poorly during the height of the pandemic. Those leaders in this group failed to adapt and realign with a new and clear purpose, costing them market share, and most importantly, their best people.

Organisations which have confidence in their leaders outperform those which don’t.

The message to all leaders is unequivocal: dominating your market relies on talent and at the heart of attracting and retaining the best talent is confidence in leadership.

Our Index, which can be downloaded via the link below, examines this confidence in leadership as well as the key trends affecting it. 

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