Optimism: The Leadership Trait People Crave. And Most People Find It at Home.
A Commentary by Victor Perton
Gallup’s latest Global Leadership Report, What Followers Want, sends a clear message: people crave optimism, positivity, and hope in their leaders. Across 52 countries, the study found that optimism is the most critical leadership trait sought by people in their leaders.
As important, the study finds people get that leadership inspiration at home and in the family.
And for me, it reminds me of lengthy conversations on this topic with my Mother.
Strikingly, when asked to name the leader who positively influences their daily lives, most people didn't name their boss, a political figure, or a celebrity. When asked to name the leader who positively influences their daily lives, almost 60% of people pointed to a family member, not their boss, a politician, or a celebrity.
This replicates what my research consistently shows: leadership starts at home. Research by the Australian Leadership Project and The Centre for Optimism, consistently shows that most inspiring leadership influence is found within families, not the boss at work.
For most people, the most inspiring leader is a family member.
And if leadership begins at home, perhaps the most important leader is the one staring back at you in the mirror.
Contemplating this, The Centre for Optimism's Chief Economist Anand Kulkarni, said, “Leadership starts at home. The core traits, values and views of the world start with our upbringing and continue throughout our lives. Others influence no doubt but this tends to be transitory”.
It turns out that leadership is everywhere, especially at home and in our families, and what people want most from those they look up to is optimism for the future.
In the context of leadership, whether we call it optimism or hope, it matters less than recognising that infectiously optimistic leaders with a compelling vision possess the superpowers needed for the 2020s.
Gallup’s report highlights hope as the most crucial leadership trait. Interestingly, the study defines hope in ways that closely resemble optimism—associating it with qualities like positivity, encouragement, motivation, and the ability to inspire belief in a better future. In essence, what Gallup describes as hope aligns strongly with the attributes of optimistic leadership.
Their findings reinforce what we already know: leaders who instill confidence, create a sense of possibility, and help people see opportunities rather than obstacles drive stronger engagement and performance. Whether labelled as hope or optimism, the ability to cultivate and communicate a brighter future remains a defining trait of great leaders.
As Dr Anand Kulkarni said, "Optimism encompasses hope. If we are not hopeful of a positive outcome then we have little going for us. However, optimism is far more than hope. Hope can be a passive acceptance of what fate has in store but optimism changes fate through bold action, vision and creativity”.
This aligns directly with The Optimism Principle, which states that:
"Optimism is the answer to life's most pressing questions."
Optimistic leadership does more than uplift spirits—it shapes engagement, performance, and resilience. Gallup's research shows that when leaders inspire optimism, people are more engaged, experience less stress, and report higher well-being.
Research confirms this pattern: when leaders radiate optimism, their teams are more motivated, workplaces retain talent, and resilience flourishes. Here’s why:
Optimistic leaders inspire greater motivation and productivity, as employees and followers are likelier to take initiative and persist through challenges.
Optimistic workplaces see higher retention rates, as people are drawn to leaders who foster a sense of possibility and growth.
Resilience and innovation thrive under optimistic leadership because people feel empowered to take risks and find solutions.
Returning to the idea that the leader looks like the person in your mirror, Robert Masters AM, said "Optimism is a mental attitude characterised by hope and confidence in success and a positive future. It is also the bedrock for framing and planning strategies and policies. Here it seeks to give people 'self-confidence' in pursuing outcomes. Relying on leaders to provide 'hope' takes away the self-confidence element and also 'positive leadership'. It is much the same as 'positive parenting', which scientific research shows gives children self-confidence to address situations and take on responsibilities, think for themselves and solve problems."
In my work at The Centre for Optimism, I've found that optimism isn't just an abstract concept—it's something we can practice and strengthen daily. Here are six ways to build optimism in your life, which can, in turn, improve your leadership, habits, and wellbeing.
Smile! Share a genuine smile with every person you meet today—even yourself in the mirror. A simple, genuine smile can change the atmosphere of any room, lift your mood, and create a ripple effect of positivity.
Joyful Greetings – Instead of the usual "How are you?", ask, "What's been the best thing in your day?" This small shift transforms conversations into uplifting moments of connection. You might also try, "What's brought you joy today?"
My Best Self—Regularly visualising and working towards the best version of yourself helps align your thoughts and actions with optimism and happiness. Try this powerful practice: Write a diary entry describing a perfect day in your life five years from now.
My Optimism Superpower – Choose optimism as your superpower and reflect on how it shapes your life, work, relationships, and mindset. Are you a natural, resilient, purposeful, or realistic optimist? Discover your optimism superpower and embrace it!
Surround Yourself with Optimistic People. Optimism, like pessimism, is contagious. Spend more time with people who uplift and inspire you, and you'll naturally reinforce a hopeful, solution-focused mindset. Optimists attract other optimists, so choose your company wisely and surround yourself with people who fill your glass with optimism and joy.
Practice Gratitude – Recognising progress, no matter how small, builds a sense of accomplishment and motivation. Try these two powerful gratitude habits: Express thanks often—whether face-to-face, by phone, email, or message. A simple "thank you" can strengthen relationships and boost positivity. Keep a gratitude journal—each night, write down the three best things that happened in your day. To amplify its impact, reread your entries in the morning. By incorporating these practices, you can become an infectious optimist, uplifting those around you and strengthening your resilience, happiness, and leadership.