The life and times of St. Francis of Assisi have always felt present to me—first in childhood, and continuing into adulthood. During a recent visit to Assisi, Italy, I found myself reconnecting with what I already knew—his embrace of extreme poverty, his love of nature and animals, and his simple yet profound faith.

My trip to Assisi was not intended as a religious pilgrimage, but rather a celebration—my daughter’s wedding to a wonderful partner. I am deeply grateful to her for inviting all of us to make the journey and share in their hopes and dreams. And yet, as often happens, the setting created space for unexpected reflection.

While I was away, I came across new Gallup research on what followers need most from their leaders. (I’ve linked the article below.) It left me both smiling and wondering how it resonates with you.

Gallup suggests that “great leadership is defined not by authority alone, but by how much the people who follow leaders trust and support them.” Their research highlights four essentials that followers seek: Hope, Trust, Compassion, and Stability. These qualities consistently show up in the most positively regarded leaders—often not public figures, but family members, supervisors, and those closest to us.

Of the four, hope stands out as the most powerful.

Not long ago, Barack Obama centered his campaign on hope—offering a vision that countered cynicism with unity and optimism. Today, in a climate of flat funding, shifting political priorities, and a public agenda that can feel increasingly distant from education, leading with hope may feel more difficult than ever.

But it may also be more necessary than ever.

Few of us will be canonized as saints or run for president. Yet each day, we are observed—by our families, our colleagues, and those who walk alongside us. The question is not whether we are leading, but how.

Do others experience hope, trust, compassion, and stability in their relationship with you?

How do you bring hope into your work and your relationships?

Is hope reflected in your vision—or in the values for which you are known?

In partnership,

Ed Condon

Executive Director

• Gallup Global Analytics – The Foundation of Great Leadership
• Author, Linda M. Cohen – The Economy of Kindness: How Kindness Transforms Your Bottom Line
• Executive Soul Blog – 6 Leadership Lessons from St. Francis