Why We Don't Get the Leaders We Say We Want

"The state of workplaces, not just in the U.S. but all over the world, can only be described as dire. Whether you prefer Gallup's data on employee engagement or the surveys on engagement or job satisfaction emanating from the various human resource consulting firms and the Conference Board, the picture that emerges is consistent: mostly disengaged, dissatisfied, disaffected employees. Moreover, there is no evidence that things are getting better over time. Although trust in leaders is seemingly important for organizational success, if you consult the Edelman Trust Index or the aforementioned surveys, once again the data are clear: a remarkably low level of trust in leaders in many sectors and many countries. What gives? And maybe more importantly for those people worried about companies and their people, is there any hope for a better future?"