PR95862

LONDON, May 11, 2022 /PRNewswire=KYODO JBN/--

Odgers Berndtson, a global executive search firm operating in 33 countries, has

found business executives worldwide have more confidence in their company's

leadership than they did two years ago.

Leadership Confidence Index 2022, was conducted in conjunction with research

and advisory firm Forrester. The joint Index reveals 42% of business executives

across a spectrum of sectors and geographies, are confident their organisations

are being led by the right leaders. Two years ago, Odgers Berndtson published

its first Leadership Confidence Index, which at the time found just 24% of

executives were confident in their company's leadership.

In the 2022 Index – which surveyed 1,100 executives – the majority of

respondents (90%) stated that their organisations had been impacted by

disruption while also reporting their organisations experienced growth (71%).

The findings indicate the almost doubling in confidence in the past two years

is a result of leaders successfully navigating their organisations through the

disruption of the pandemic.

The Index also reveals several trends that have played a role in this increased

confidence. Technology, the adoption of which grew significantly during the

pandemic, is increasingly viewed as an enabler rather than a disruptor. 44% of

executives now see it as a disruptive force; a reduction from 62% two years ago.

Strong ESG and I&D became hallmarks of successful organisations during

COVID-19, and the Index shows that an overwhelming majority (87%) of executives

believe their businesses have made positive changes in these areas. Most (88%)

are also confident in their leadership's ability to keep improving in these

areas.    

The majority (79%) of executives also believe the level of disruption will

either increase or maintain at the same pace. Of all the C-level positions, the

role perceived as the most important in successfully managing this disruption

was, categorically (85%), the CEO.

Kester Scrope, CEO of Odgers Berndtson, said, "The pandemic provided a litmus

test for leaders' capabilities and more than expected performed well and

inspired confidence. But there are still many who did not. Those not in the 42%

failed to adapt and realign with a new and clear purpose, costing them market

share, and most importantly, their best people. This should provide a

cautionary tale for all leaders: dominating your market relies on talent and at

the heart of attracting and retaining the best talent is confidence in

leadership."

While confidence is much higher than it was two years ago, 44% of executives

still reported that their leadership performed either fair or poorly during the

height of the pandemic. With more disruption expected, leaders who fall into

this bracket are likely to struggle to instil confidence in their teams when

the next crisis lands.

About Odgers Berndtson:

Odgers Berndtson delivers executive search, assessment, and development to

businesses and organisations of all sizes and maturity. We work across 50

sectors, whether commercial, public, or not-for-profit and draw on the

experience of partners and their teams in 33 countries.

www.odgersberndtson.com/en-gb, @OdgersUKNews

Contact: Sam Middleton

         Global Communications Manager

         Odgers Berndtson

         Sam.middleton@odgers.com

         +44-020-7529-3964

Source:  Odgers Berndtson