What great leadership looks like: Insights from 700 professionals

The impact of poor leadership

According to our survey:

• 80% of professionals believe poor leadership decreases trust and openness.

• 66% say it limits their performance.

• 51% feel it prevents team alignment with organisational goals.

When asked what negatively impacts team performance the most, poor leadership was the top response, outranking unclear goals and objectives.

Sinead Hourigan, Robert Walter’s Global Head of CX, Commercial and Advisory, explains:

It’s not surprising that poor leadership creates these problems, especially in a market where salary is no longer a key attraction. While money is a great reward for a job well done, it’s not always what your reports are after. They want a feeling of inclusion in decision-making and in achieving the team’s objectives.

What are the benefits of great leadership?

Great leadership is the driving force behind a successful team, business, or community. Here are some key reasons why strong leadership matters:

• Higher engagement and motivation – Great leaders make people feel valued, boosting morale and productivity.

• Better decision-making – They analyse situations effectively and make informed choices.

• Stronger teamwork – Encouraging collaboration and open communication leads to better problem-solving.

• Higher retention and satisfaction – A positive, supportive leader reduces turnover and improves job satisfaction.

• Resilience and adaptability – Leaders provide stability and direction in times of change.

• Stronger culture – They shape a workplace or community built on trust, integrity, and inclusivity.

• More innovation – Empowering people to think creatively drives success.

Great leadership isn’t just about leading, it’s about creating an environment where others thrive. When leaders inspire, teams succeed.

What matters most in leadership? Survey insights from professionals

We recently surveyed professionals to understand what kind of leadership they find most engaging and effective in the workplace. The results speak volumes about what today’s workforce values in a leader.

• 66% of respondents said they are most motivated and engaged when they feel included in decision-making processes and have a sense of shared responsibility in the team’s success.

• 29% preferred self-directed environments where they are trusted to work independently and make decisions without constant oversight. 

• Only 5% said they favour traditional top-down leadership. Yet interestingly, 43% of respondents shared that their current workplace still operates this way.

These findings suggest a growing preference for inclusive and empowering approaches to leadership—where communication, trust, and a sense of purpose are key.

Sinead shares her perspective on the findings:

“When speaking to candidates looking for a new role, a resounding number are looking for a role where they will feel valued and part of the wider business goals. And this is why a participatory style is more engaging – in the eyes of an employee, it equates to feeling valued. 

It’s not always possible to implement such leadership, and that’s fine, but where a top-down approach does work best for you and your organisation, communication is vital, so decision making is seen as a consultative process.”

The qualities of a great leader

The personal qualities of a leader make a significant impact on how they are perceived. Our survey revealed that professionals value leaders who:

• Support their team members (78% rated this as the most important quality).

• Are genuine and open communicators.

• Have a clear vision of objectives and end goals.

Employees value clear communication and individual support. "If it is the case that you have too many reports and not enough time, it may be a good idea to implement a mentoring program to ensure all staff are getting the support they need."

Enhance your leadership approach today

Great leadership isn’t about control—it’s about inspiration, empowerment, and creating a thriving environment for others. Whether you lead a team, a business, or a community, refining your leadership style can drive engagement, innovation, and long-term success.

The most highly favoured leadership style is one that prioritises shared leadership and accountability. This approach fosters collaboration, empowers employees to contribute to decision-making, and makes them feel valued within the organisation. 

To align with this preference, leaders can start by actively seeking input from their team, encouraging open discussions, and delegating responsibilities in a way that builds trust and ownership. Small shifts, like involving employees in problem-solving or recognising their contributions, can make a big impact on team engagement and motivation.

Take the next step in your leadership journey today with our bespoke coaching solutions, designed to unlock your potential and drive lasting success.

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