The world is changing rapidly, driven by factors such as AI advancements, geopolitical tensions and climate challenges, which means that leaders at every level must develop the ability to pause, assess and act strategically, writes author and leadership expert Sally Percy. Leaders who foster curiosity, critical thinking and courageous decision-making will be best equipped to guide organizations through increasing complexity and uncertainty in 2026.

Put it into practice: Organizations that embed collective curiosity and resilience will be better positioned to continuously adapt and thrive next year, proving that people, not just technology or processes, drive lasting progress, Percy writes. "Without space to experiment, fail and iterate, even the boldest AI or sustainability goals wither," says Barbara Salopek, the CEO of Vinco Innovation AS.

If you want to drive organizational change, empower your middle managers to model and reinforce new behavior with their teams, rather than relying on top-down directives, writes Michel Koopman, the CEO & founder at CxO Coaching. Prepare managers for the role with targeted coaching, peer-based cohorts for accountability and mentoring from senior leaders, Koopman writes.

Put it into practice: If you are a middle manager, Koopman advises you to proactively seek out coaching, mentorship or peer support and model desired behaviors in everyday interactions. "Share feedback with senior leaders about what's working and what's not. If you do it thoughtfully and consistently, you'll earn respect and help shape the future."

Instead of giving your team all the answers they seek, formulate good questions that create a sense of safety so they can generate ideas and come up with creative solutions, writes executive coach Kelly Meerbott, who offers five "turn-key ready" questions you can ask today. "Each of these questions is deceptively simple. But paired with active listening and genuine curiosity, they can completely change the trajectory of a conversation," Meerbott writes.

Put it into practice: The real power isn't in asking the question; it's in your ability to listen deeply to the answers and create a partnership with your team, Meerbott writes. "Pick one of these questions this week and bring it into a real conversation. Ask it with sincerity. Then pause, breathe and truly listen."

Focus and motivation. End-of-year dynamics can be challenging to navigate. People are focused on holidays, travel, time off and other personal issues at the end of the year. They're also naturally in a mindset of coming to the end of a 12-month race, and they're looking forward to getting some rest. Keeping their focus on work tasks and maintaining motivation can be challenging for a leader.

To make things easier for you and for them, keep a few principles in mind. First, recognize where their focus and energy are directed and manage work, deadlines and priorities accordingly. While it's tempting to "make one last push and finish strong," recognize that means you're asking for more time and effort when their hearts and minds aren't in it. Be realistic about what can get done.

Encourage them to take their vacation and enjoy their time off so they can come into next year rested and ready. The harder you push people at the end of the year, the more disappointed you're likely to be with their attitudes and their results.

-- Mike Figliuolo is managing director of thoughtLEADERS, which includes TITAN -- the firm's e-learning platform. Previously, he worked at McKinsey & Co., Capital One and Scotts Miracle-Gro. He is a West Point graduate and author of three leadership books: "One Piece of Paper," "Lead Inside the Box" and "The Elegant Pitch."

Toggling between "wartime" and "peacetime" modes depending on the day's challenges is how Tony Spring, Macy's CEO, describes his leadership style in 2025, while emphasizing the importance of graciousness, kindness and long-term thinking. "Our job is to make sure we create a better shopping experience for the customer. There's plenty of things that are out of our control that we could obsess about, but it really doesn't satisfy anything or make you feel any better," Spring says.

Striking photographs that "speak to beauty, fragility and wonder" of the world are part of National Geographic's Pictures of the Year, says Editor-in-Chief Nathan Lump. Photos include a hungry polar bear sitting on a decomposing whale floating in polar ice, a bird forming in its shell and clouds shrouding the top of the Solomon Islands.

As we get closer to 2026, you should pack two things in your toolkit: a hefty dose of curiosity and a comfy pair of running shoes (for when the business world starts sprinting). As Sally Percy notes, "strategy will be every leader's business" -- meaning that whether you're leading a team or a whole company, you'll need to zoom out, spot patterns others miss, and make thoughtful bets.

But no matter how shiny the spreadsheets or how powerful the tech, the ledger that really counts in 2026 isn't digital -- it's human. Building "human infrastructure"-where people feel safe to experiment, fail, learn and innovate — is key. Leaders who invest in trust, psychological safety, collaboration and open-mindedness will gain more than compliance; they'll gain creativity, loyalty and resilience.

Talent will look different next year, too. Fewer cookie-cutter graduate-trainee roles, more lateral moves, retraining and "portfolio-career" flexibility. Leaders who welcome that change -- who value potential and adaptability over polished CVs -- will attract people who can grow with uncertainty, not just weather it.

Finally, the quiet all-star of 2026: "agentic AI." AI that doesn't just react -- but thinks, plans, remembers and helps automate complex workflows -- is poised to reshape the daily grind. Leaders who get in the room with coders, ask hard questions and treat AI as part of the team -- not a magic wand -- will have an edge.

So, if you're a leader (or want to be): dust off your strategic thinking cap, double down on empathy and trust, embrace flexible talent and treat AI like a teammate. Do this, and 2026 might just greet you not with chaos -- but with opportunity.

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