"Read the room” is something we’ve all thought – or said out loud – after someone spoke out of turn, brought up a controversial topic, or ignored social cues. “Read the room” is not typically a piece of advice given to leaders who are deciding how best to address business or societal issues, but based on findings from the 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer, it should be.
We are living in a time of grievance, defined by a belief that government and business make our lives harder and serve narrow interests, and that wealthy people benefit unfairly from the system while regular people struggle. In fact, according to the Edelman Trust Barometer, 61 percent of respondents have a moderate or high sense of grievance. People around the world feel betrayed by leaders and left behind by the societal institutions meant to support and serve the public.
This finding is disheartening, and it’s easy to feel discouraged as an institutional leader – like a CEO or government official – to know how to address people. In fact, it’s tempting to put on blinders, hunker down, and not say anything at all. Why risk triggering someone’s anxiety or anger over an issue, especially when prevalent across all demographics and in most countries. Our research shows that leaders should do the opposite. They should read the room: listen to the circumstances and stories of the aggrieved to uncover what stakeholders want, expect, and need from you to restore their faith in the system.
Read Kirsty's full piece.
