A report by the Gallup Organization regarding the future of global leadership indicates that the foremost quality followers desire in their leaders, particularly among the youth, is the ability to inspire hope. Following this, the traits of trust, compassion, and stability are also highly valued. As I examined the findings of this report, I found myself pondering whether leaders in the Travel & Tourism sector have adequately addressed these essential needs.
With a few notable exceptions, I remain uncertain.
This report, prepared for the World Governments Summit in Dubai from February 11 to 14, serves as a significant revelation for leaders across various domains—national, corporate, institutional, societal, and more. Despite the prevailing narrative of profound transformation in our times, the report asserts that the four key characteristics sought by followers in their leaders have remained consistent.
The prominence of HOPE is evident throughout the document. In what can be considered its most significant statement, the report articulates the concept of “HOPE” as follows: “Above all, HOPE represents the conviction that the future holds greater promise than the present, and that individuals possess the agency to effectuate this change. If a leader fails to instill a sense of HOPE and guide others toward a clearer path, it is unlikely that anyone else will succeed in doing so.”
In a striking departure from traditional perspectives, the report poses the question, “What constitutes an effective leader? Is it courage, empathy, creativity, or the ability to inspire? The complexities of leadership are manifold, yet the essence of effective leadership lies in addressing the needs of those they lead.”
In essence, leadership transcends the pursuit of increased profit margins, the enhancement of products, the maximization of shareholder value, or the expansion of membership.
These aspects are secondary. The primary focus must be on fostering hope and fulfilling that promise.
Upon reviewing the report, I assessed its conclusions using the following checklist questions:
Are any global leaders effectively inspiring and fostering hope?
The Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization? The chairman of the Pacific Asia Travel Association? The CEO of the World Travel & Tourism Council?
Readers are encouraged to conduct their own assessments in corporate boardrooms, academic settings, and management discussions.
The report should motivate leaders in Travel & Tourism to reconsider their fundamental purpose and reflect on how they can instill hope, cultivate trust, demonstrate compassion, and enhance stability—not only within their immediate domains but also in broader contexts.
Additionally, it should prompt them to explore strategies for transforming what seems to be a HOPELESS global situation into a HOPEFUL one.
The images below, which specifically reference HOPE, are self-explanatory. I urge readers to download the accessible report. In my opinion, it will eliminate the necessity for further lectures on leadership from highly compensated management experts.
