Finish Strong
Wrapping Up the Year for a Strong Start to 2026
If only December was about holiday lights, family, gifts, and year-end parties! Well, it is all of that and it is also your leadership moment to finish strong and set the tone for a successful 2026. While the temptation to coast is real, smart leaders know this month is a golden opportunity to reflect, reset, and prepare for what’s next.
Think of December as the bridge between where you’ve been and where you’re going. According to Gallup, employees who feel recognized are 63% more likely to stay. That’s huge for retention, and it starts with intentional leadership! Skip the checkbox approach. Use reviews to talk about growth, goals, and what success looks like in 2026. Ask questions like: ‘What energized you this year?’ and ‘Where do you want to grow next?’ These conversations build trust and engagement far more than a score on a form.
Recognition doesn’t have to be expensive, but it HAS TO be personal. A handwritten note, a shout-out in a team meeting, or a quick video message can go a long way. The key? Make it specific and sincere.
If you’re rolling out new benefits, policies, or organizational shifts for 2026, start now. Transparency reduces anxiety and builds confidence. Share the ‘why’ behind changes and invite questions. People want to feel included, not blindsided.
If there’s one investment that pays off year after year, it’s leadership development. The workplace is evolving fast! Career advancement opportunities satisfy only 29% of employees, yet development is a top factor for engagement. Employees expect employers to invest in leadership development and upskilling.
Here's what to focus on for 2026:
- Emotional Intelligence & Communication: Leaders who can connect and build trust will retain talent.
- According to a recent Deloitte survey, 72% of executives say aligning leadership around strategy is their top Q4 priority, but only 38% feel confident they’re doing it well. That’s a gap worth closing.
AI can be a game-changer for year-end tasks, but it’s not a replacement for leadership. Here’s the truth of the matter:
AI Can Help You With:
- Analyzing performance data and spotting trends
- Drafting agenda topics, support ideation, or review summaries
- Predicting workforce needs for 2026
AI Cannot and Should Not Replace:
- Empathy in performance conversations
- Authentic recognition that feels human
- Strategic decisions about culture, business objectives, and people
AI is a tool, not a leader, and not always the best practice! Use it to save time, not to replace the human connection your employees need. Gallup reports that 70% of the variance in team engagement comes from the manager. Employees want managers who coach, communicate, and care, not just direct tasks. Time to get personal and push AI to the side.
To wrap this all up with a BIG BOW, tis the season, below is your December checklist:
- Finalize bonuses and compensation adjustments
- Communicate 2026 changes early and clearly
- Schedule leadership alignment sessions
- Launch year-end recognition campaigns
- Audit compliance for new wage and overtime rules
- Audit Employee Handbook for legislative updates (think wage and OT rules), refresh policies, and align with business culture
Coming up in January, we’ll dive into launching 2026 with momentum, covering goal rollouts, leadership development kickoffs, and energizing your teams for Q1 success. Ready to lead with confidence? Let’s make sure your 2026 starts strong and stays strong, The People Playbook, has MANY resources available to support you OR we can talk through other options. Reach out and let us know what we can take off your plate!
-Erin
