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Global Leadership Trends for 2021
Do companies have the talent they need for the future?
How has COVID-19 impacted leaders?
What leadership trends are emerging for 2021?
Scroll to see our top 5 findings
#1
Bench Strength Drops to a New Low
2011
18%
2014
15%
2017
14%
2020
11%
Bench strength reaches an all-time low.
Percentage of HR saying they have a strong bench to fill leadership roles
Only 47% of critical roles can be filled by current leaders. It's clear organizations don't have the leaders they need today, or for the future.
#2
COVID-19 Tested Leaders' Skills
Digital acumen became 25% more important for leaders responding to the crisis.
Leaders had to be more prepared for:
Responding to competition in their industry
Innovating to improve products and services
Leaders were less effective at:
Leading virtual teams and contractors
Using empathy or emotional intelligence
Through the pandemic, leaders faced new challenges in remote work and more difficult conversations. Ratings of their own effectiveness in virtual leadership and empathy dropped significantly.
#3
During Crisis, Leaders Spend Time Differently
Preference to learn online
Pre-COVID
28%
During Crisis
36%
New Normal
40%
Hours Leaders Want to Spend Learning per Week
Pre-COVID
During Crisis
New Normal
Hours Leaders Currently Spend Learning per Week
Pre-COVID
During Crisis
New Normal
When in crisis mode, leaders are more likely to seek support. During the onset of the COVID-19 crisis, they spent more time on development, especially online.
#4
Leaders Stepped Up During Crisis
Leaders grew more positive about senior leaders
Leaders grew more positive about senior leaders.
Leadership ratings peaked 14% higher at the onset of the COVID-19 crisis. The pandemic required more of all leaders, especially senior leaders.
#5
Leaders Struggle to Handle Burnout
Leaders are most confident...
55%
Achieving their team’s goals
51%
Rallying their team around a common purpose
47%
Building team enthusiasm and engagement
But least confident...
18%
Helping team members avoid burnout
14%
Making the right hiring decision
12%
Navigating organizational politics
This infographic is from the
Global Leadership Forecast Series
examining responses from
15,787 Leaders
2,102 HR Professionals
1, 742 Organizations
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