Hi friends, leaders, and partners!
I don’t know about you, but January always brings that mix of calm and urgency. The holiday dust settles, and suddenly it’s time to step back into real work with fresh eyes. But here’s the exciting part, this month isn’t just a reset. It’s your launchpad for everything your business can become in 2026!
And your people? They’re craving clarity, connection, and leadership more than ever. Global engagement has slipped to around 21% in recent years, according to Gallup, which means most employees are walking into the new year wanting more support, more vision, and more communication from leadership. And you can give them exactly that!
And speaking of leadership, here's something every organization needs to hear about 70% of team engagement comes directly from the manager’s influence. So, if you want higher engagement, stronger morale, and people who stay and grow, supporting your leaders is non-negotiable. Coaching, leadership training, DiSC & Strengths workshops, leadership development consulting, anything that helps managers show up more confidently and clearly, will pay you back all year long.
January is also the perfect moment to reset expectations and goals for the quarter. Employees with clear, transparent goals report significantly higher job satisfaction. Goals don’t have to be perfect, they just need to be clear, realistic, and communicated early. That alone reduces uncertainty and boosts motivation.
And because 2026 is already shaping up to be a year where AI continues weaving itself into business operations, we can’t ignore it. Think of AI as your behind-the-scenes assistant. It can help analyze trends, organize information, and even prep draft communications, but it can’t inspire anyone. It can’t build trust or give recognition that feels real. It can’t communicate vision with heart. Those are very human responsibilities, and your people are looking to you for them!
Use AI for the heavy lifting. Use your humanity for the leadership.
So as you step into the new year, my nudge is this, start with clarity, lead with energy, include your people, and invest in your leaders. The tone you set now will carry further than you imagine. You don’t have to sprint, you just have to be intentional.
And if you want support shaping your 2026 leadership strategy, engagement plans, or development programs, we’re here. Truly all in 100% for you through any of our service offerings including The People Playbook, click here for more info!. Let’s make this the year your leaders rise, your teams thrive, and your business hits a new stride. You don’t need to do any of it alone!
Here’s to momentum,
Your partner in people and leadership
-Erin