Leaders in the U.S. are disappointing, “not prepared” to respond to the new crises of today and “don’t match” the values held by everyday Americans.

That’s according to results from a U.S. News – Harris Poll survey released Tuesday, which found that 86% of American respondents are “largely disappointed” by leaders in society. Of that share, 47% are strongly disappointed.

A joint project between U.S. News and The Harris Poll, the survey asked 2,100 American adults to assess the state of leadership in the country – from the government to the business world. Respondents were reached online between Nov. 17-19, 2023.

While respondents are not particularly fond of business leaders, they are especially critical of political leaders. Of those surveyed, 84% agree with the statement, “There is a leadership crisis in the U.S. government today,” compared to 78% percent who say there is a crisis in corporate America. And nearly 75% of respondents believe politicians care more about their own power and influence than their constituents, while 72% say most politicians aren’t trustworthy.

“Many feel that leaders are withholding society from advancing, while some believe our political leaders today are even worsening society,” The Harris Poll said in a statement analyzing the poll results. “Given the considerable concern around large-scale societal problems – the economy, climate change, AI and more – Americans are growing more and more weary.”

Almost across the board, respondents’ assessment of leadership is disapproving. Older respondents have an even more negative opinion than younger people: 92% of those aged 60-69 and 94% of those 70 and up say they are “largely disappointed” in leaders, while 76% of respondents aged 18-29 hold that view. And nearly 70% – including an overwhelming number of older respondents – say current leaders are not “prepared to respond to the new crises of today,” such as housing costs, inequities, pandemics and artificial intelligence.

The survey data also show that Americans are generally more likely to trust local leaders than those at the national level. About two-thirds (65%) of respondents say local leaders are “more apt to address societal ills” compared to national leaders. A higher share (72%) say they trust local leaders more than national leaders.

Among national leaders, those in the political sphere appear to be drawing significant ire – and the negativity is present across party lines, although at different levels. Similar rates of Republicans (87%) and Democrats (80%) agree with the statement, ”There is a leadership crisis in the U.S. government today.” Even 84% of those surveyed – with percentages among members of both major political parties separated by just 2 points – say they would support a candidate not belonging to their party “if they would make a good leader.”

Democrats and Republicans are more split in other areas, however. Republicans are far more likely (76%) than Democrats (60%) to say today’s political leaders aren’t trustworthy. Republicans are also more likely to say political leaders are not hard-working (68% vs. 55%), and while majorities in both parties think leaders who have been accused of involvement in scandals shouldn’t be in power, Democrats (86%) agree more often than Republicans (76%).

Respondents’ opinions about government leaders’ effectiveness at addressing major U.S. issues vary depending on the problem. While most respondents agree politicians are effectively addressing issues such as defense, voting rights and foreign policy, the opposite is true when it comes to rising housing costs and budget deficits.

Respondents generally see value in diversity: 81% say it’s needed in political leadership to represent all Americans, and 73% say business leaders should be addressing diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace. And in a separate statement asking whether more diversity among leaders would allow for better outcomes in both government and business, 79% of respondents agree.

When it comes to racial and ethnic diversity in government leadership, 55% say there isn’t enough. Meanwhile, 65% say there isn’t enough diversity in leadership in corporate America overall, referring to broad diversity of gender, race, ethnicity and age.

Only a slim majority (51%) agree that diverse leadership is necessary to respond to the new crises of today, though female, Black and LGBTQ respondents are more likely to say more is needed. However, a majority of both young people aged 18-29 and older respondents 50 and up say more diversity isn’t needed. Additionally, stronger majorities of those surveyed from lower income households (under $49,000) say there isn’t enough racial and ethnic diversity in political leadership. But a slim majority from the highest household income level surveyed – $150,000 and higher – say there is enough racial and ethnic diversity.

So, what do Americans want to see from leaders? In another survey by U.S. News and The Harris Poll, respondents view “trustworthy” as the most important characteristic for being a successful, modern leader, followed closely by “honest.” Ranking No. 3 and No. 4, respectively, are “hard-working” and “ethical.” Those four traits are also ranked by respondents as the qualities “most needed today” from leaders. And an overwhelming majority (89%) of Americans say leaders today should be more collaborative.

But they also think change is needed. Close to three-quarters of respondents (71%) say society would be better off if we evolve past the idea of a “traditional” leader – someone who is white, male and older. And a much larger share (85%) agree with the statement, “Even great leaders are not suited to handle all crises as some require a new crop of leaders to emerge with new skill sets.”