Odgers Berndtson: Boost in confidence in business leaders' capabilities to manage disruption

LONDON, May 11, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- 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, 020 7529 3964