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